Prasat Hin Phimai, one of important religious sanctuary, is situated in the centre of ancient Phimai City in Nakorn Ratchasima, which is a gateway to the northeast of Thailand. It was likely built during the reign of Suryavarman I and was not only built as a sanctuary for both Buddhism and Hinduism but also for the worship of person, which is believed by the ancient native tribes such as Jam, Java, Bali and Khmer. They believed that a person who had built a sanctuary would be with Gods after their death.
To build Prasat was originated from the belief that Pra Sumeru Mount was a core of the Earth. The main Prasat was meant to be a center. Surrounding wall represent the edges of the Universe which is call gallery. Ponds or Barais are next to the walls. They represent the great oceans. The main Prasat, the core of Pra Sumeru Mount, was a place that kept the Shiva lingum or sacred images. These sacred images at Prasat Hin Phimi are believed to be the most important sacred image of the Buddhist sanctuary mentioned in the inscription.
Prasat Hin Phimai is situated at the centre of Phimai city, which is at the bank of the river Moon. This large city located on a rich plateau called Tung Samrit where is an important area for producing rice. Prasat Hin Phimai is a charming Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary. It has a cross-shaped plan and consists of three important buildings; the main Prang, the prang Bhramadhat and Prang Hin Daeng. All prangs are surrounded by walls that are scattered by Gopura at fourdirections; North, South, East and West. There are Barais at all four corners. The front gate of the Prasat is on the south. The main entrance is a Naga balustrade.
The main prang consists of a square building with portico at all four directions. Each portico is with carved Buddha images in styles described as
• South portico: Buddha image with Naga facing south
• West Portico: Buddha image when he gave his sermon to the king of Mara (demon)
• North portico: Buddha images in presence of 5 Vajirasattas (Bhodhisatta) (Bhodisatva)
• East portico: Ten Buddha images, dressed and in sitting position
The gables on four porticos are beautifully carved, described as
• The gable on the south portico: with scene of Siva is performing 108 postures of dancing. This scene is also called Sivanagaraj.
• The gable on the west portico: with scenes of Krisana is lifting up Kovantana Mount and Ramayana is marking out the roads.
• The gable on the North portico: with scenes of the fighting from Ramayana; Narayana with 4 hands.
• The gable on the East portico:with scenes from Ramayana; King Malivaraj is pleading and prince Rama is killing Giant Viratha.