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Chaiyaphum Travel Guide :
Phrathat Nong Sam Muen
| Phrathat Nong Sam Muen is considered to be a very beautiful temple with a perfect chedi. There are no records that reveal when the temple was constructed but architectural and fine arts evidences show that the temple was built with designs from the Lanna, Lan Chang and Ayutthaya periods. Many experts believe that the temple was constructed during the reign of King Chai Chetthathirat of Lan Chang in the 16th century. |
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Phrathat Nong Sam Muen has a chedi which is located on a square base; it has recessed corners, around 45.30 meters tall and has stairs on all four sides. Just above the square base you can see lotus bases which are pointing both upwards and downwards and these support the relic chamber. The niches, pointing in four different directions, house images of Buddha in reflection and walking postures. While the chedi houses Buddha's relics.
According to archaeological evidence, once upon a time this area was a large ancient city, approximately between the 7th and 11th century, in the Dvaravati era. You can still see traces of a moat and mounds. Both inside and outside the city moat, antiques have been discovered, which are on display in the temple. You can see some sandstone markers with Pallava alphabet dating back to around 7th and 9th century. You can also see an image of Buddha which similar to main Buddha image. Unfortunately, this image is broken but you can still make out the canopy of a seven-headed Naga which is similar to Khmer art found in the 12th and 13th century.
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