Nakhon Ratchasima, often called Korat.Korat is a large provine in the northestern and acts as a gateway to the other province in the northest.The province is rich in Khmer culture and has a long history.
The Phimai Historical Park is located in Amphone Phi Mai, Nakkhon Ratchasima province.The Phimai Sanctuary the largest and one of the most important Khmer historical site in Thailand .The word Phimai appear in a inscription on a stone slab at the front doorway of the building as well as in many other structures.It is believed that the word Phimai referred to religious figure or site.
The Phimai Sanctuary is rectangular in shape.It consists of ornately carved sandstone and laterite structures.The most special characteristics of the sanctuary is that it is the only one that focus south while the others usually face east.This is probably because it was buit to face the route that the Khmers traveled from the capital of the empire, to the south of Phimai
The architectural style is that of the Baphuan Style that prospered at the time.However,some characteristics are similar to that of Angkor Wat.
-The Naga Bridge is the first part you pass when visiting the site.The bridge and lion figures stand in front of the Gopura.The intention many have been to build a link between earth and heaven according to both Hindu and Buddhist beliefs corcerning the universe.
-The Main Prang or Pagoda is on an open area in a curved walkway.It is the centre of the site and is and made entirely of white sandstones and is different from the porches and walk that are made primarily of red sandstone. Because white sandstone is more durable than red sandstone.
The Pagoda consists of a base,outer walls, columns, and porches with beautiful design.Of vital importance are the lintels that mostly recount the tales of Ramayana from Hinduism.The lintels above the 4 doorways of the main pagodas inner chamber, the most important room of the pagoda, are all about Buddhism reflecting the Buddhist influence that eventually surpassed that of Hinduism.The carvings are of the Baphoun style and the Angkor Wat style leading to the belief that the main pagoda was built at the end of the 12th century.