A stone altar was discovered in an old temple in Chaiya District, Surat Thani Province. It is expected to be the base of the Narayana idol. Over a thousand years old
Mr. Chawalit Rojanarat, Chaiya District Chief, received notification at Wat Pa Lilai, Lemed Subdistrict, Chaiya District, Surat Thani Province. The group came to study Srivijaya history. Unearthed antiques It has the appearance of sandstone carved with Phak Kut patterns. Area under a big tree It is estimated to be more than 1,000 years old, so we coordinate with the head of the National Museum of Chaiya District to investigate. before moving to keep at Wat Kaew Or Wat Rattanaram, which is not far from Wat Pa Lilai for safety.
Preliminary investigation found that The object is square in shape. Made from fine-grained red sandstone. Carved with beautiful patterns, looking similar to the carvings of Prasat Cham-Java, size 1.50 x 1.50 m., height 15.5 inches, or approximately 35 – 40 cm. The top surface is smooth, slightly damaged over time. When tu
rned over, the inside contained old cement. Similar to the cement that is plastered on the walls of Wat Kaew or Wat Rattanaram, Chaiya District, the bottom edge is concave and undulating, as if it has been scrubbed. or similar to having a knife sharpened One side is engraved with a beautiful pattern, spiraling and curved in 3 rows. The other 3 sides are not engraved. But it looks similar to grooving a pillar. It is estimated to be over 1,000 years old and weighs hundreds of kilograms. It took approximately 5-6 people to lift it up. The staff of the National Museum of Chaiya District gave information that it may be the base of a Narai idol. We will coordinate with the Fine Arts Department to investigate.
Phra Achan Maha Thongchai The abbot of Wat Rattanaram or Wat Kaew said that the ancient objects had a long lifespan. Muang Chaiya is an old city with old temples and many ancient objects. If villagers find it, please notify officials or government agencies. to carry out the inspection
For the Chaiya District
area It is considered an archaeological site. Ancient objects are often discovered. Things like chinaware, beads, Buddha statues, etc. are often found. This is because it is an old city in the southern region which indicates that it was a city that had civilization and prosperity before. There are many buildings registered as historical sites and antiques. And there will be treasure and relic hunters. Come in and search. often However, this discovery will have to wait for the Fine Arts Department officials to investigate. Take it to study the details carefully before whether to allow the public to visit or not.
Additional information: Chaiya has been an ancient port city since around the 12th – 18th Buddhist centuries. Archaeologists assume that it was the center of the Srivijaya kingdom. Traces of evidence appear, both ancient sites and many contemporary antiquities. and is believed to be the location of Phra Wiang city. and is the origin of the name Wat Wiang. One of the most important old temples of Chaiy
a city.
Source: Thai News Agency