Main shrine

The Phimai historical park protects one of the most important Khmer empire temple of Thailand. It is located in the small city Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima province, 15° 13' North, 102° 30' East.

The temple marks the end of one of the roads from Angkor. As the enclosed area of 1020x580m is comparable with that of Angkor Wat Phimai must have been an important city in the Khmer empire. Most buildings are from the late 11th till the late 12th century, built in the Baphuon, Bayon and Angkor Wat style. However even though the Khmer at that time where hinduistic, the temple was built as a buddhist temple as buddhism in the Khorat area dated back to the 7th century. Inscriptions name the site Vimayapura (which mean city of Vimaya), which developed into the Thai name Phimai.

The first inventory of the ruins was done in 1901 by the french geographer Etienne Aymonier. They were put under governmental protection by announcment in the Government Gazette, Volume 53, section 34, from September 27, 1936. Most of the restorations were done during the time of 1964 to 1969 as a joint Thai-French project. The historical park, now managed by the Fine Arts Department, was officially opened by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on April 12, 1989.


Lintel over northern entry to main shrine, showing dancing Vajrasattva

References

  • Michael Freeman - A guide to Khmer temples in Thailand and Laos, ISBN 0834804506