The Central Sanctuary | Prasat Hin Phimai | Thailand
Explore, Aug 25, 2009 #106
In the small town of Phimai, on the banks of the Mun River, lies one Thailand's most extensively restored Khmer temple complexes. There is not a definitive date for the construction, but the central sanctuary is likely to have been completed around the time of the reign of Suryavarman I (1001-49).
Prasat Hin Phimai lies on what was once a direct route to the Khmer capital at Angkor, and is oriented to face that city. Originally a Brahmanic shrine dedicated to Shiva, it was rededicated as a Buddhist temple at the end of the 12th century. Its famous lintels and pediments depict scenes from the Ramayana, and, unique among Khmer temples, Buddhist themes.
The central sanctuary is a white sandstone edifice topped with a rounded prang, the style of which may have influenced the builders of Angkor Wat.