Archeological findings excavated from
Phra That Nadune, or the Isan Phutthamonthon, indicated
the area was once an ancient, prosperous town called
‘Nakhon Champa Sri’. The artifacts discovered
here are now displayed at the Khon Kaen National
Museum.
More
importantly, a miniature chedi containing the Buddha
image of Phra Barom Saririkathat encased in a golden,
silver and bronze box dating back to the 10-11th
century of the Dvaravati era was found. The present
Phra That Nadune was modeled after the miniature
chedi.
The Isan Arts and Cultural Research Institute,
located in Maha Sarakham University, regularly organizes
shows and exhibitions on the Isan (NE region) culture
and traditions, the evolution of silk weaving and
local handicrafts, musical instruments, written
literature, ancient inscriptions, and other related
topics. Demonstrations of traditional classical
dances and production of local handicrafts can also
be seen at the Isan Arts and Cultural Center located
in Maha Sarakham Ratchapat Institute.
The Dvaravati-style, red sandstone Phra Buddha
Rup Yeun Mongkon and Phra Buddha Rup Ming Muang
(Suwan Mali) Buddha images are considered the city’s
principal Buddha images, both built the same time
as the founding of the provincial city. According
to legend, when the town of ‘Kantarawichai’
encountered a drought, the men created Ming Muang
Buddha image and the females created the Yeun Mongkon
image. Finishing at the same time, the townspeople
held a great celebration. Since then, rain has fallen
regularly during the proper season, transforming
this arid land into a fertile one. Both images are
located at Wat Suwannaward, 14 km from the provincial
city.
The Wat Mahachai Museum houses a collection of
artifacts discovered in Isan, a collection of Isan
written literatures and numerous ancient Buddhist
scriptures.
Situated on the bank of the Chi River, the Kosamphi
Park resembles a forested garden with a variety
of plants and trees creating a dense canopy, inhabited
by plenty of birds and harmless monkeys. A beautiful
natural brook flows by, creating a pleasant, scenic
environment.
The Chi Loung Park is an island created by the
changing currents of the Chi River. The park was
cut off from the mainland when the river’s
strong currents washed away the connecting piece
of land, creating a new water route. A road encircles
the island, which is teeming with large rubber trees.
Located 3 km from town, the Kaeng Loeng Chan is
a large water reservoir and the site of the Freshwater
Fishery Breeding Station. Its shoreline is a popular
relaxing place for locals, particularly in the evenings.
Heading towards Roi Et, you’ll pass the Pottery
Village (Mooban Pan Mor) where locals sustain an
income by making pottery the traditional way. Other
Isan people use the products for containing water,
curry and other uses.
The 8-m tall Ku Mahathat (Prang Ku Ban Kawao) is
an ancient Khmer stone sanctuary that dates back
to the 14th century. The shrine houses 2 earthenware
Buddha images. Interesting, the only entrance into
the main prang (tower) faces east, while the other
3 false doors faces the other directions.
The historical Ku Santarat is a Khmer stone sanctuary
that was created in the Bayana style of art approximately
during 1157-1207, during the reign of King Chaiya
Woraman VII, the last emperor of the Khmer Empire.
Excavations made in 1971 unearthed many religious
objects.
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