Indian Cosmology and Archaeoastronomy of the Khmer Stone Temples in Sakon Nakhon-Thailand

This article is multidisciplinary study of cosmology, archaeology and astronomy of the Khmer stone temples in Sakon Nakhon. The study investigates of the temple’s architectural structure and environmental geography which related to the astronomical knowledge. The result of study found that the plan and structure of temples is influenced by the concept of Indian cosmology which has Mount Meru as the central axis. Buildings is signified as mountain or heaven with high and multi-layered base. The main building is symbolically important as the origin of power for the whole temple. The objects and positions are the transforming of cosmology concept into a form of architectural art for making sacred space and eternal security. The folktale of Phu Phek and Narai Cheng Weng conveys story of people challenging each other to build temples. Those people agreed to stop competing as soon as they saw the Venus rise to the sky. This indicates that the motion of celestial object is a significant aspect of life. The position of rising and falling of the sun and stars over the temples are indications of the solar calendar, zodiac signs and seasons. The knowledge of astronomy is essential for ancient life on cultivating seasonal crops and planting rice varieties that are sensitive or less sensitive to photoperiod. The sunlight shining through the statute has some implications for ancient ceremonies. Observing astronomical phenomena on the important days over the temples today is becoming a new tourism trend that creates economically beneficial and value for community.