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Ancient Siam (formerly known as Ancient City)(Thai: Mueang Boran) is a park constructed under the patronage of Lek Viriyaphant in the shape of Thailand. Ancient Siam is dubbed as the world's largest outdoor museum. Besides from important architectures that was recreated or relocated, there are also many constructions which are originated form Khun Lek Viriyaphan's imagination in the Re-Creation Area which are exotic and fascinating such as "The pavilion of the enlightened," "The Rainbow Bridge," "Sumeru Mountain," or "Botanical Garden from Thai Literature," etc. Moreover, from the Re-Creation area there might be some strange figure buildings which were built according to the written history or drawn paintings which cannot be seen anywhere in the present such as "The Phra Kaew Pavilion," "Ho Kham" of Lampang province, etc. After visiting many places throughout the Ancient City, they also simulated a floating market and a fresh market for us to shop and relax with many souvenirs from each part of Thailand.The Ancient City is considered an important attraction site which will allow us to visit and learn about Thai culture from different parts of Thailand within one day. This allows visitors to see each architecture and artwork closely which it will not only be entertaining but also educating.

Mondop of the Footprint of the Lord Buddha, Saraburi

The mondop housing the Footprint of the Lord Buddha, one of the most sacred places in Thailand, is in the architectural style of Ayutthaya art.

According to a Saraburi folk tale, a hunter named Phran Boon followed a deer that he had shot to the ridge of a low hill. There, he saw the wounded deer drinking water from a small pond. Astonishingly, the wounds on the creatures body suddenly disappeared. When the deer fled, the hunter came to look at the pond and found that in fact the pond was the footprint of the Buddha. Being reported and investigating the site himself, Phra Chao Song Tham (1620-1628 A.D.) found the ancient Buddha foot print of which its appearance in Siam was foretold by Ceylonese monks in a Ceylonese scripture.

Buddha foot print

Muang Boran rebuilt Mondop of Footprint in accordance with two distinctive accounts from Thai literature: Nirat Phra Bat written by Sunthorn Phu, the eminent poet of the Rattanakosin era; and Punnowat Kham Chan by Phra Maha Nak of Wat Tha Sai. Both stories had been written before the reconstruction of the mondop took place in the 19th century A.D. The interior was rebuilt from an earlier Thai document by Khun Khlon. The footprint housed in the mondop at Muang Boran was a gift from an Indian president.

Buddha foot print

Mondop of the Footprint of the Lord Buddha, Saraburi

According to Thai cosmology, Sumeru Mountain is considered the pillar of the world as well as the center of the universe.

The mythological Sumeru Mountain (considered the pillar of the world) was supported in the cosmological ocean on the back of a great fish called Anondha, which kept it safe above water.

Anondha fish

The mountain, supported by Anondha fish, stays above the surface of the water. It is the residence of spirits ranging from deities in heaven to devils in hell. The beings living by the mountainside also include humans, nagas, garudas, ogres, ogresses and yogis. Each of them is distinguished by wisdom and morality.

On the top of the lofty mountain is the heaven (Tavatimsa) where Trai Trueng City is located. Sumeru Mountain is surrounded by an ocean, called Nathi Si Thandorn while the Ilimaphanta Forest and Anodat Pond are at the foot of the Mountain.The city is believed to be the kingdom of gods where Sakka or Indra is the king. Indras most important responsibility is to protect the serenity of the world community. His divine kingship is a result of the merit he had made during his past lives.

Sakka lives in a castle called Phaichayon Maha Prasat (Phaichayon great grand palace). In the center of the castle stands the heavenly throne, namely Bandu Kamphon, which will turn stiff when the world falls into disastrous catastrophe.Learning the situation, Indra will come down from heaven to help save his people on earth.

Beside the mountain, there are a number of mystical beings such as the strange serpent like creatures called Nagas who are protective guardians against evil.

Garudas and a few other bizarre and bewildering creatures can also be seen with each one individually distinguished by their own morality and wisdom.

A fight between Thailand and Burma

The landscaping of the park is a major part of the appeal, and several themed gardens are to be found here. Perhaps the most attractive is the Garden of the Gods, which has been created in the northern sector of the park.Wandering through the Garden of the Gods with its colourful flower beds and ornamental trees is one of the most pleasant aspects of a visit to Muang Boran. It's a good place to take a break and rest a while during your visit to the park.

The Garden of the Gods. Brahma, major deity of Hinduism and creator of the universe portrayed with 4 faces and 4 arms

Surasawadi, consort of Brahma, is considered to be the goddess of learning and the arts.

The name of the Garden comes from the bronze statues of various Hindu deities installed here. These Gods are also incorporated into Thai classical literature. Hence their depiction here.

One of the largest and most prominent sculptures is that of the God called Phra Athit the God of Light. He represents "Sunday" and is depicted sitting on an elaborate chariot drawn by seven sky horses and driven by Phra Arun. The name "Arun" means dawn and is similar to the famous Temple of Dawn called Wat Arun in Bangkok.

Phra Athit is said to be influential, noble and distinguished.

Another large sculpture is that of Phra Chan the God of the Moon who represents Monday. He can be seen astride a chariot driven by ten horses. One gets the impression that he is dignified, gentle and suave. Just to digress a little, it is believed that people born on various days are said to have these same characteristics of the Gods imparted to them. So make a note of which day you were born and see if the character of these Gods is similar to yours!

One of the more enchanting sights in the 'Ancient City' are trees laden with little plates, on which are written Thai characters. Bells hang from the plates. These I believe are good luck charms

Tuesday is attributed to the God Phra Angkhan that is seen riding a huge water buffalo. His planet of influence is Mars and therefore is also known as the God of War. His characteristics are hot tempered, hard-working and controversial. You could adapt the saying of "blood, sweat and tears" to him

Many of these sculptures are very intricate in detail and provide a great insight into how the Thai people associate their lives with that of the prevailing Gods.

New structure of Hindu architecturebetween the Garden of the Gods and the Sulhothai Wihan

Phra Budha (not the Buddha as we know it) rules over Wednesday. His dedicated planet is Mercury and is seated above a great elephant as his steed. He symbolizes wisdom, intellectual and communicationHe is said to be wise and knowledgeable. In Thai culture, the elephant is also the symbol of wisdom and knowledge as well as bravery.

God of Thursday

it is believed that people born on various days are said to have these same characteristics of the Gods imparted to them. So make a note of which day you were born and see if the character of these Gods are similar to yours!Pharutsabodhi. He can be seen riding a deer with huge antlers and carrying a writing slate. He also represents the planet Jupiter and is considered a heavenly seer and tutor to the Gods and Deities. It is also noted that Thursdays are dedicated to the teaching profession in Thailand. He represents knowledge, education and teaching.

God of Thursday

This next God is much sought after in terms of having children born on this particular day. This is the God Sukra who rides in on a hefty bull. Sukra is the ruler for Friday is a heavenly seer and also tutor of the Gods. However his atributes are wealth and a taste for the arts. The best of both worlds, money and talent!

Phra Sao also known as Sani or in Hinduism as Shiva presides over Saturday. His ruling planet is Saturn, his steed is a tiger and people born under the influence of Saturn are known to be hot tempered as one of their traits! Phra Sao holds a trident. Unfortunately he is also known as the God of Grief and those born on this day are also said to face a life of hardship, despair and grief.

Sani (or Phra Sao)

New structure of Hindu architecture between the Garden of the Gods and the Sulhothai Wihan

Architectural detail on the new Hindu building

new Hindu buildingFlamboyant, Delonix Regia, Royal Poinciana

Flamboyant, Delonix Regia, Royal Poinciana

Wooden carving of bird-man

Thailand is steeped in much mysticism and culture that relates to religion. This is significant in the many temples and places of worship in the country. Hinduism is a great influence in many of Thailand's religious icons, traditions and culture. The Ramakien which is an epic story of the Gods and Deities was derived from the Ramayana and adapted to Thai beliefs.

Mondop of the Footprint of the Lord Buddha, Uttaradit"The standing footprints of the Lord Buddha are housed within a mondop at Wat Phra Yuen, Uttaradit Province. The multi-tiered structure is a typical monument of Chiang Saen. Muang Boran reconstructed the building in its actual size."

This is a bronze statue of "Vishnu (or Phra Narai) asleep on the back of Naga Ananta, the Naga Serpent King, floating on the middle of the ocean. Laksmi, his consort, sits at his feet holding a whisk"

Vishnu (or Phra Narai) asleep on the Naga Ananta

Sound: Thai Traditional Music

Text & Pictures: InternetCopyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda