Prasat Khao Phanom Rung.

         Prasat Phanom Rung

        The inscriptions of Prasat Phanom Rung offer a unique insight into the nature of Khmer rule in Northeast Thai-land between the 10th and 13th centuries AD. They record the family history of Narendraditya and his son ,Hiranya, making it clear that they ruled autonomously, not as vassals to the king at Angkor. Some of this history is depicted on the narrative reliefs adorning the main sanctuary. If, as they appear to, these reliefs do relate to Narendraditya ‘s life, they represent the earliest portraiture and carving of historical scenes in Khmer art.

        Let us begin with the setting, for the name ‘Phanom Rung ‘ refers to the ancient volcano upon which

       The temple sits. Phanom Rung hill rises over 350 metres

 

      

      above the surrounding plain. On a find day, one can gaze across the floodplain below. The eye is first caught by the sparkle of water in the baray or reservoir of the neighbouring temple of Muang Tam, and then by the dark grey foothills of the Dangrek Mountains, the border of Cambodia. The strategic value of the gill – top location of Phnom Rung continues to be appreciated today by the Thai Royal Air Force, who share the crest of the mountain with the ancient temple.

       In former times, Phnom Rung was midway between the great city of Angkor to the south and Phimai too the northwest. The ruler who controlled the Phnom Rung area most probably also had suzerainity over the fertile floodplain stretching south to Prasat Muang Tam. This powerful fiefdom appears to have been held during one of the most prosperous periods of the region ‘s history, by the family of Narendraditya.

 

         Hiranya has also set out his own biography, noting that at the age of 15 he completed a grammar course and graduated at 16. By the age of 18, he had proven his prowess as hunter of elephants, and at 20 had the golden image lf his father made. Presumably, these dedications by Hiranya were male to celebrate an addition to the monactery and a bid for control based on deification of his father, and idertification of himself with this power.

        Unfortunately we know nothing more of the family’s history, for the K.384 inscription is the last to be erected at Phnom Rung.

       Among the other inscriptions , however , are fascinating details of the religious practices of the monastery on Phnom Rung hill. One, with an inventory number of BR.14, is carved on a rounded stone slab almost, a metre high, a shape associated with sema stones or bounday markers. The inscription on the stone dates to the 12th century,

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Sunflower field.

        The Sunflower Festival in Thailand starts around November and goes on until about February. The best places to see sunflower fields are in Lopburi Province and Saraburi Province. It was Lopburi where we went last weekend to see the sunflowers.

 

        Thousands of people from Bangkok head this way at the weekends for a day trip to take pictures in the sunflower fields. For people in Lopburi it has started to become a major tourist attraction. Each farm takes turns in planting the sunflowers so that there is at least one area of blooming flowers during this period. According to latest statistics, there is now 12,000 acres of sunflower fields in Lopburi alone. As well as being a tourist attraction, they also extract oil from the sunflower seeds and of course make tasty snacks.

         The best places to see sunflowers in Lopburi are in the districts of Phatthana Nikhom, Chai Badan, and Khok Samrong. From Bangkok, we took Highway 1 north through Saraburi and then turned off onto Road 21 a little while later. A short distance along this road we came across two major sunflower fields with beautiful mountain backdrops.

         We then later turned right onto Road 3017 towards Pasak Jolasid Dam. We had an enjoyable picnic at the dam and then drove back along Road 3017 towards Lopburi. Again we saw plenty of sunflower fields. Some were on the main roads. Others had signs telling us where to turn off. If you have a car and drive around this area then you will surely have no problem.

        Most farmers will charge you about 5 or 10 baht to enter their fields to take pictures. We found others along side roads which were free. The places that charge admission usually also have stalls selling souvenirs and snacks relating to sunflowers. They also offered tractor and cart rides throught the fields and also a few places had elephant rides. Most Thai people just went to the sunflower fields to take pictures.

        Usually of each other. If you don't have your own transport, then you could join the special train trip that goes from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok to the sunflower fields around Pasak Jolasid Dam. The train goes only at the weekend and on public holidays. It leaves Bangkok at 6.40 a.m. and returns eleven hours later. Prices start from 255 baht and go up to 675 baht for first class.

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