Phanom Rung Historical Park
The Northeast includes many historical monuments in the Khmer style from prehistoric times to the 13th century. Among these, Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung is one of the most important. This is the only Khmer religious monument constructed on a natural mountain.
Restorations have made a great contribution to the study of Khmer architecture in Thailand. A special festival is Phanom Rung Fair, held either March or April each year.
Khao Phanom Rung Festival
(April 1 - 2, 2006 : Phanom Rung Historical Park, Chalermphrakiat district, Buri Ram province)
In Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, mountains are believed to be homes to the gods. Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung, a magnificent temple sanctuary set on the summit of Phanom Rung Hill, was built between the 10th and 13th centuries. According to the stone inscriptions in Sanskrit and Khmer found at the site, the original name of the temple complex is Phanom Rung, Khmer for big mountain.
A religious sanctuary dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva, Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung symbolises Mount Kailasa, the heavenly abode of Shiva. Phanom Rung Hill rises 350 metres above the surrounding plain.
Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung is the second most significant Khmer-style temple in Northeastern Thailand or I-San. Although often overlooked on account of the famed Angkor city complex in Cambodia, the Khmer monuments of I-san represent key architectural milestones in the development of Angkorean design and ritual. In fact virtually every Angkor-period monument played a role in an elaborate cosmology that linked the entire network, a part of which lay in what is today Thailand.
The Khao Phanom Rung Festival
The Khao Phanom Rung festival being held on April 1 and 2, 2006 reflects an ancient folk belief that one should make a pilgrimage to the summit of Khao Phanom Rung to pay homage to the gods, deities and celestial beings that reside on the mountain at least once in a lifetime. The tradition has been carefully preserved by the residents of I-san over the centuries.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
- The performance of ancient propitiation rituals to appease the gods, deities and other celestial beings
- Folk music and cultural performances of the provinces of Southern I-San ? Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani
- Live demonstrations of sandstone sculpting
- Khmer Cultural Trail exhibition
- Traditional open air fair with stalls offering local products from each of the sub-districts, or tambons, participating in the OTOP (One Tambon One Product) programme promoted by the Royal Thai government
- Arokayasala traditional healing stations
- Hope bai I-san-style dinner
- The Procession of Deities and Celestial Beings and the Phanom Rung Devalai light-and-sound presentation
Astro-archaeological Phenomenon at Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung
Astrologers have also predicted that an extraordinary astro-archaeological phenomenon will occur at sunrise during the April 3-5 period this year. The doors of the temple sanctuary are so perfectly aligned that during this period, at sunrise on a cloudless day with clear blue skies, the sun's rays will shine through all fifteen doorways of the sanctuary in a single shaft of light. (Plan to arrive between sunrise and no later than 07.30 a.m.)
To celebrate the auspicious occasion of the Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne, the festival will be organised on a much grander scale this year. The Khao Phanom Rung Festival will present a good opportunity for visitors to witness ancient sacred rituals, festive and folk celebrations observed by the residents of I-San.
Phanom Rung Historical Park
The Department of Fine Arts registered the Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung as an archaeological site in 1935. Restoration commenced in 1961 and the Phanom Rung Historical Park was officially declared open by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on 21 May 1978. According to the Lonely Planet guide-book, the temple complex is the largest and best restored of all the Khmer monuments in Thailand.
Tickets
Hope bai dinner: 1,200 baht per dinner set for a party of eight persons
Tickets for the Phanom Rung Devalai light-and-sound presentation are 200 baht each.
Important
Space is limited. Please make reservations for the tickets, travel and accommodation immediately.
Palaces of the Gods
Guide to Khmer Art and Architecture
Contact information
TAT Northeastern Office: Region 1
Areas of responsibility: Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Chaiyaphum
Tel: +66 (0) 4421 3666, (0) 4421 3030
Fax: +66 (0) 4421 3367
Distance from Bangkok to Buri Ram
410 kms (254.7 miles)
Air Travel: Bangkok-Buriram
Flights to Buriram operated by PB Air
Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
Departs Bangkok at 06.10 hrs
Return flight departs from Buriram at 07.30
Tel: +66 (0) 2261 0220 ? 5, (0) 2535 4843
Web site: www.pbair.com
Getting to Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung from Buri Ram:
Drive along Route 219 from Buri Ram heading southbound towards the Prakonechai intersection. Turn right at the Prakonechai intersection where Route 219 intersects with Route 24 and continue for approximately 20 kms before turning left into a secondary road that leads to Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung temple complex. Following the visit to Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung, continue on to Prasat Hin Muang Tam, another Khmer-style sanctuary.
Note: Event dates and programme details may be subject to change. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.
Continue reading here: Surat Thani Province
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