Prasat Muangkao - Wat Prang Muangkao in Sung Noen District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province: Field Survey and Knowledge Collection on 'Phra Bhaisajyaguruvaiduryaprabha' in 'Suktalai' of 'Arokayasala'

Abstract

The objective of this research was to collect the data from field survey about ‘Sukthalai’ of ‘Arokayasala’ in Prasat Muang Kao – Wat Prang Muang Kao in Sung Noen District of Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The empirical observation was carried out based on the actual condition of the ancient site according to the Arokayasala floorplan, which consisted of 1) Prasat or Ruen tart (a shrine containing a fragment of the Buddha's relic), 2) Kam Paeng Kaew (brick wall surrounding a temple), 3) Kopura or archway, 4) Bun na lai (a library containing ancient scriptures) and 5) Sra nam or ponds. As for the current utilization of the ancient site, it was found that the temples and communities had used Prasat or Ruen tart as a place to enshrine the Buddha’s footprint instead of the ‘Phra Bhaisajyaguru Vaiduryaprabha’ image according to the original belief. Moreover, the knowledge about Phra Bhaisajyaguru Vaiduryaprabha was summarized in terms of belief, naming, meaning, characteristics of the Buddha and sculptures in brief