Prasat Phimai Pageant Serves Up a Dazzling Display
Borannaree
Located in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, Phimai Historical Park is home to an ancient Khmer city, surrounded by waterways and walls, which serve to mark its boundary. At the center of the site is Prasat Phimai, which is one of the kingdom's most significant Khmer-style sandstone monuments.
The sanctuary underwent a substantial renovation program under the auspices of the Fine Arts Department, which took 20 years to complete before the site was officially opened to members of the public in 1989 as the Phimai Historical Park.
The site includes a principal tower, two buildings that once served as libraries, several shrines and several smaller towers. All the buildings were built upon rectangular platforms, surrounded by cloisters. A cloister also surrounds the main tower, providing a form of sacred boundary.
The construction of Prasat Phimai took place during the 11-12th centuries, while additional work was carried out during the 13th century. These dates have been ascertained based upon stone inscriptions found within the site.
King Suryavarman I, who ruled the Khmer empire from 1010-1050, was responsible for establishing the city, while King Jayavarman VII, who ruled the empire during 1181-1218,
is credited with establishing additional buildings. According to stone inscriptions, the monument was built to worship gods revered under Mahayana Buddhism.
Civic Pride
Members of the local population are always happy to host Thai and foreign visitors throughout the year. To celebrate the site's rich legacy of cultural treasures, they organize a light-and-sound show, which is held on a monthly basis. The next presentation will take place on February 26, while the following one will be held on March 26. The light-and-sound program runs from 5.30-8 pm.
Entitled Wimaya Nattakan ('Heavenly Dance'), the program includes: Bai Sri Su Kwan (a traditional welcome and well-wishing ceremony), a guided tour of the Phimai Historical Park led by young people from the locality, a delicious dinner of northeastern cuisine followed by the Wimaya Nattakan light–and–sound presentation, performed by traditional folk performers from the country's northeastern region (also widely known as Isan). Visitors enjoy their dinner and the performance in a traditional setting, sat upon mats laid out on the ground in front of the main tower.
The first part of the show features drama and dances, which serve to narrate the former glories of ancient Phimai and the Khmer empire. The show is inspired by bas-relief vignettes depicted on the sanctuary and includes Buddhist religious processions, the ancient ritualistic dance that is usually performed by boxers and the Phimai Pura dance. The second part of the show features native folk dances of the northeastern region.
Tickets are priced at 400 baht (US$13) per person, inclusive of all activities, including a guided tour, dinner and entertainment. Tickets can be purchased from Phimai Historical Park or from the Northeastern Office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
For further information, call the TAT's Northeastern Office on Tel: +66 (0)44 213 666.
Photos used courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) – Northeastern Office.
Credit: TAN Network (www.tannetwork.tv)
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