Prasat Hin Phimai, Beautiful Khmer Temple in the Ancient Time

Prasat Hin Phimai, one of important religious sanctuary, is situated in the centre of ancient Phimai City in Nakorn Ratchasima, which is a gateway to the northeast of Thailand. Prasat Hin Phimai was not only built as a sanctuary for both Buddhism and Hinduism but also for the worship of person, which is believed by the ancient native tribes such as Jam, Java, Bali and Khmer. They believed that a person who had built a sanctuary would be with Gods after their death.

To build Prasat was originated from the belief that Pra Sumeru Mount was a core of the Earth. The main Prasat was meant to be a centre. Surrounding wall represent the edges of the Universe. Ponds, next to the walls, represent the great oceans. Each level of Pra Sumeru Mount has Himapana creatures such as Garuda, Giant, angels and , also, Narayana and Siva.

The main Prasat, the core of Pra Sumeru Mount, was a place that kept the lingum or sacred images. These sacred images at Prasat Hin Phimi are believed to be Kamara Tenga Vimai, which is the most important sacred image of the Buddhist sanctuary mentioned in the inscription.

General characteristic of Prasat Hin Phimai Prasat Hin Phimai is situated at the centre of Phimai city, which is at the bank of the river Moon. This large city located on a rich plateau called Tung Samrit where is an important area for producing rice. Prasat Hin Phimai is a chrming Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary. It has a cross-shaped plan and consists of 3 important buildings; the main Prang (tower), the prang Bhramadhat and Prang Hin Daeng. All prangs are surrounded by walls that are punetuated by gate-towers at four cardinal points; North, South, East and West. There are ponds at all four corners. The front gate of the Prasat is on the south. The main entrance is a bridge, which is decorated with Naga facing south.

Prasat Hin Phimai is, as aforementioned, a charming Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary. The main prang consists of a square building with portico at all four directions. Each portico is with carved Buddha images in styles described below.

South portico: Buddha image with Naga facing south

West Portico: Buddha image when he gave his sermon to the king of Mara (demon)

North portico: Buddha images in presence of 5 Vajirasattas (Bhodhisatta)

East portico: Ten Buddha images, dressed and in sitting position

The gables on four porticos are beautifully carved, described below;

The gable on the south portico: with scene of Siva is performing 108 postures of dancing. This scene is also called Sivanagaraj.

The gable on the west portico: with scenes of Krisana is lifting up Kovantana Mount and Ramayana is marking out the roads.

The gable on the North portico: with scenes of the fighting from Ramayana; Narayana with 4 hands.

The gable on the East portico:with scenes from Ramayana; King Malivaraj is pleading and prince Rama is killing Giant Viratha.

Prang Bhramadhat is on the left of the main Prang. It contains image of King Bhramadhat and lady Orapima.

Prang Hin daeng, a religious sanctuary, was built with red stones.

There are several important and interesting parts of Prasat Hin Phimai such as Pratu Chai (gate of victory), Klung Ngeon (a treasury) or Dhama Sala, a post for a ceremony to worship fire, Royal pavillion, a church for an ascetic, Church of King Phimai and Meru Bhramadaht.

Prasat Hin Phimai is an ancient Buddhist sanctuary that has been long standing for almost 2,000 years. It is believed that King Suriyavoraman I of Cambodia (1002-1050) built it. The prasat had been maintained until the reign of King Chaivoraman VII. It is also believed that, In the reign of King Suriyavoraman I, other prasats with the same age were also built. They are; Prasat Hin Panomwan (Panomwan temple, Nakorn Ratchasima) and Prasat Hin Panom Roong (Burirum).