For those of you who want to know the historical background and value of Phu Phrabat, which was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2024. In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the overview of Phu Phrabat and why it was selected as a World Heritage Site. Please take a look at the charm of Phu Phrabat.
What is Phu Phra Baat?
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is a culturally and historically significant site located in Udon Thani province, Thailand. The park is known for the presence of a number of sanctuary boundary stones called Sima stones, which date back to the Dvaravati period (7th-11th centuries). The park is dotted with rock shelters with unique shapes, formed by natural forces and human hands, which were used for Buddhist monastic life and rituals.
Location and geographical features
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is located in the northern part of the Khorat Plateau in northeastern Thailand, within the Pha Khua Nam National Reserve Forest. The area is part of the Phu Phan mountain range and is characterized by small sandstone mountains. The movement of glaciers and the different erosion processes of the rock layers have created rock shelters with unique shapes. These rock shelters are scattered throughout the beautiful natural landscape surrounded by forests, giving visitors a mystical atmosphere.
What is Shema Stone?
Seema stones are a Buddhist term referring to boundary stones marking sanctuaries for Buddhist monks and nuns to perform rituals. They are used to demarcate sanctuaries according to Buddhist scriptures and are usually placed symmetrically in eight directions. Seema stones can be demarcated using various materials and natural features such as wooden pillars, termite mounds and rivers, but at Phu Phra Bhat, stones are used predominantly. The area is home to a large number of Dvaravati period seema stones, many of which are still in their original locations, making them extremely valuable.
Rock cover and its shape
The rock shelters at Phu Phra Bat are very unique in their shape, many of them mushroom-like. Large flat rock blocks rest on one or more high rock pillars, some of which reach a height of more than 10 metres. These rock shelters have been formed and modified by natural forces as well as by human hands. Many have been adapted for Buddhist activities and some are surrounded by Seema stones. The rock shelters also have rock paintings on their surfaces, depicting humans, animals and geometric patterns, which are evidence of human occupation for over two millennia.
With its unique topography and historical heritage, Phu Phra Bat Historical Park offers visitors rich cultural and natural attractions.
History of Phu Phra Baat
Seema stone tradition of the Dvaravati period
The history of Phu Phra Bat dates back to the Dvaravati period between the 7th and 11th centuries, a period of significant cultural transformation in Thai history, with a particular emphasis on Buddhism. The Seema stone tradition developed as part of the Buddhist culture of this period. Seema stones were boundary stones used to demarcate sanctuaries for Buddhist monastic life and as places for religious ceremonies and training.
The Seema stones of the Dvaravati period are very distinctive and follow certain rules in terms of stone shape and arrangement pattern. They are usually arranged in eight directions around the sanctum, forming square or rectangular areas based on Buddhist scriptures. These stones started out as simple natural stones and gradually evolved into cubes, octagonal pillars and lotus petal shaped stone slabs. This evolutionary process coincided with the development of Buddhist culture during the Dvaravati period and Seema stones gained importance as religious symbols.
The arrival of Buddhism and the installation of the Seema Stones
Buddhism arrived in Thailand around the 7th century, and the installation of the Sima stones began at this time. Buddhist teachings had a profound impact on local beliefs and customs, and the installation of the Sima stones was part of this. The arrival of Buddhism brought a new religious order to the local community, and there was a demand for places of training for monks and nuns.
At Phu Phra Bat, many Sima stones were installed and their number continued to increase over four centuries. These stones functioned not only as boundary markers but also as important symbols of the sanctity of the sanctuary. Due to the installation of Sima stones, the area of Phu Phra Bat developed into an important Buddhist monastic center, and many monks and nuns practiced here.
Modification of the rock shelter and religious use
The rock shelters at Phu Phra Bat have been shaped and modified by both natural forces and human hands. Formed by the movement of glaciers and the erosion of rock layers, these rock shelters were adapted for religious use with the arrival of Buddhism. Many of the rock shelters were used as places for Buddhist training and rituals, and were surrounded by Seema stones to serve as sanctuaries.
The modifications to the rock shelters included carving out rooms and creating spaces for placing statues of Buddha. These modifications not only provided a place for monks to meditate and practice, but also served as a center of religious activity for the local community. Some rock shelters were used as chapels for Buddhist ceremonies or as residences for monks, and many remain in their original form to this day.
History and themes of rock art
The rock shelter at Phu Phra Bat features numerous rock art. These rock art date back to the 1st century BC and include human figures, animals and geometric designs. The themes of the rock art are diverse and reflect the beliefs, rituals and daily life of the region.
These rock art are important evidence of how local people worshipped nature and adopted Buddhist teachings. Many of the rock art were created as part of religious ceremonies and festivals, forming part of the spiritual life of the local community. After the arrival of Buddhism, the themes of the rock art changed to relate to Buddhist doctrines and stories, and new paintings were created that were influenced by Buddhist culture.
The rock paintings at Phu Phra Bat are well preserved, and many of them remain clear even today. These rock paintings are important sources for understanding the history and culture of the region, and further enhance the appeal of Phu Phra Bat.
Why Phu Phra Bat was inscribed on the World Heritage List
The importance and conservation status of the Sima stone
The Seema stones of Phu Phra Bhat are of great importance as a central element of Buddhist religious rituals and monastic life during the Dvaravati period. They acted as boundary markers to indicate Buddhist sanctuaries and their placement and shape are based on Buddhist scriptures. These stones played a role in defining Buddhist sacred spaces, not just marking physical boundaries.
Phu Phra Bat is home to the largest number of Dvaravati era sima stones preserved in their original locations in the world. Many of the stones have remained in their original positions over the years, making them a valuable resource for understanding the sima stone tradition and the historical context of Buddhist rituals. The Thai government and local communities have been active in preserving and protecting these sima stones, and as a result, many of them are in good condition.
Its role as a religious centre during the Dvaravati period
Phu Phra Bat was an important religious center during the Dvaravati period. During this time, Buddhism spread throughout Thailand, and many monks and nuns chose Phu Phra Bat as their training site. The sanctuary where the Seema stone was installed was used as a training and ritual site, and became an important Buddhist center for the local community.
The rock shelter at Phu Phra Bat was adapted for religious purposes and many Buddhist ceremonies and meditations were held there, transforming Phu Phra Bat from a mere natural landscape into a center of religious activity, and as a result, it served as a spiritual pillar for the local community, with many monks and nuns coming here to practice and spread the teachings of Buddhism.
Uniqueness and universal value
Phu Phra Bat's uniqueness lies in its blend of geographical features and cultural heritage. The mushroom-shaped rock shelters and landscapes shaped by nature and man are one of a kind. The combination of these rock shelters and the Seema stones act as Buddhist sanctuaries, providing a mystical atmosphere to visitors.
Moreover, Phu Phra Bhat is the most complete preserver of the Dvaravati period Seema stone tradition. This makes it a cultural heritage of great global importance and recognises its universal value. The arrangement and shape of the Seema stones are essential to understanding the history of Buddhist teachings and rituals, and their good state of preservation makes them an important resource for historical research.
Conservation and management efforts
The protection and management of Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is a joint effort between the Thai government and the local community. In accordance with Thailand's laws such as the Cultural Heritage Protection Act and the National Protected Forest Act, the preservation of the Sima Stones and rock shelters is strictly controlled. A management plan for Phu Phra Bat Historical Park has also been developed and regular monitoring and maintenance are carried out.
Local communities have been actively involved in cleanup and maintenance efforts, resulting in Phu Phra Bat's cultural heritage being well preserved. Infrastructure is being developed to accommodate the growing number of tourists, visitor education programs are being implemented, and efforts are being made towards sustainable tourism.
These conservation and management efforts have helped Phu Phra Bat maintain its historical and cultural value, cementing its status as a World Heritage Site.
summary
Phu Phra Bat was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2024 due to its historical and cultural value. It was recognized for the preservation of the Sima stones from the Dvaravati period, its role as a Buddhist sanctuary, its unique topography and rock art, etc. Thanks to the efforts of the Thai government and local people, these heritage sites continue to be well preserved. I hope this article has helped you understand the charm and importance of Phu Phra Bat.
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