I had the good fortune of visiting the new airport of thailand ` suwaranabhum" the day it was opened and was overrawed by the large mural/statue of the ocean churning. will try and post the picture in the photos shortly. was intrigued by the sanskirt incursions there, did some scouting and found this interesting article...read on chola fans....
Interactions of the Chola empire in the Chao Phraya Delta
G.Deivanayagam [also in PDF] Tamil University, Thanjavur
Abstract: The Chola Empire of South India (9th to 12th C.AD ) was in a position to establish strong contracts with the delta of Chao_Phraya Chao Phraya River of Thailand in the medieval period. They have very well established this contract by Diplomatic trade and religious means. The impact of this South Indian Empire caused a considerable effect in the Customs, Manners, Religious practices, Place names art forms and Architecture etc of the Thais for example the former name of Bangkok, Krungthep is nothing but Kuranguthope of Tamil means the "Monkey's forest". In the close proximity, at Bujung valley of Malaysia, there was establishment of Cholas in this period, which is very well connected with this delta and gives "Siva, Vishnu, Thiruppavai, Mulaipali, etc., and enhances the intrinsic culture and art forms of Thailand. This paper will deal with all these facets and gives substantial conclusions on the history of Thai arts and Religion.
Wow... Amazing to read this. When I visited the Wat Phrea Kiew temple few years back, I saw the whole Ramayana depicted in beautiful murals. I took some snaps as well. Will post it soon. Yes, the churning of the milk ocean by Asuras and Suras is beautifully depicted and proves that we share the same mythology. Infact, the world heritage site "Ayutthaya" near Bangkok, is the corrupt form of Ayodhya.
no need to sir me, vijay ( vj for short will do).. its a nice feel to be associated with intellectuals like you all.
you could say that i have a vexed interest in this - since i am a shipping professional from chennai now settled in sin.....nice to hear some of your brethern hv already charted this course b4.