Phanom Rung Temple complex (Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung, Buriram)
There are many great historical sites in the world that are worth travelling for.Located approximately 64 km from Burirum town centre, Phanom Rung Temple complex (Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung) is a magnificent example of Khmer architecture, it was erected during the reign of King Suriyavarman II in the 12th century. Sits atop an extinct volcano on Phanom Rung Mountain (Khao Phanom Rung in Thai), Phanom Rung Temple is the largest and best restored Khmer monument in Thailand with a beautiful backdrop of Isan countryside.
Offerings to Lord Shiva (Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung, Buriram)
Buang Suang ceremony performed by a respected Brahmin priest (Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung, Buriram)
Most of the buildings of the sanctuary are made of laterite and sandstone with elaborate designs like Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat. It features a Hindu Saivite or Shiva monastery, sculptures of Vishnu and a number of ruins which contain images depicting Hindu God Brahma and scenes from Ramayana.
Locals paying homage before Lord Shiva (Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung, Buriram)
Locals making offerings (Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung, Buriram)
Since Phanom Rung Historical Park faces the east, the sun rises straight through 15 doorways of the ancient Shiva temple twice, in April (3-5) and September (8-10 September). The sun sets through the doorways twice in March (5-7) and October (5-7). This miracle event happens 4 times a year.For sunrise, you need to be in the historical park by 6am to enjoy this intriguing man-made phenomenon as well as a rarely seen invocation ritual or buang suang ceremony performed by a respected Brahmin priest. Most of the devotees dressed in white as a symbol of purification.
Guest of Honor – Mr Kanit Iamrahong,the provincial Governor of Buriram Province
Highlights include a procession to pay homage to the gods and celestial beings, a traditional Northeastern Thailand or I-San-style “Hope-bai dinner”, cultural presentations, the Phanom Rung Devalai light-and-sound presentations and traditional cultural performances and sales of a range of souvenirs, village handicrafts and products from the sub-districts (tambon) of Buri Ram province promoted under the OTOP – One Tambon One Product.
Pottery making (Miracle Phanom Rung 2012, Buriram)
Silk products from Buriram (OTOP)
Phanom Rung Historical Park is one of the top historical places in Thailand not to be missed and if possible, I am looking forward to the next sunrise in September.
Eugene with the Apsara dancers at Phanom Rung Historical Park (2 April 2012, Buriram)
-eugenegoesthailand.com
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