Army Region 2 Unveils Millennia-Old Legend of 'Underwater Narayana Reclining on the Ocean': Thailand's Only Submerged Khmer Carving
Army Region 2 opened a hiking trail to Thailand's only submerged Khmer carving, a 1,000-year-old Narayana relief sculpture hidden in a river in Ubon Ratchathani province's Nam Yuen District. The initiative aims to develop the site as a cult
Army Region 2 has officially opened a nature study trail to the 'Underwater Narayana Reclining on the Ocean,' an ancient archaeological site in Ubon Ratchathani province that is recognized as Thailand's only submerged stone carving. Led by Lt. Gen. Wirayut Raksasil, commander of Army Region 2, the expedition surveyed and established a route from the Pha Yai base of the 23rd Ranger Regiment near Phu Wang Nam Jan temple in Nam Yuen District, using traditional paths that local residents once traveled to pay respects to the sacred site.
The initiative aims to develop the area into a conservation-focused tourist destination and educational center for history, archaeology, and nature. The 'Narayana Reclining on the Ocean,' known locally as the underwater Narayana carving, is an ancient low-relief sculpture over 1,000 years old carved mysteriously into natural sandstone rocks along a riverbank. Measuring approximately 120 centimeters long and 50 centimeters high, the carving depicts Vishnu reclining on the serpent Ananta Naga, with clearly visible three-headed nagas and lotus stems emerging from his navel—a symbol of world creation in Hindu cosmology. A female figure believed to represent Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and fortune, appears at the base.
Experts believe the carving was created during the late Khmer civilization period, dating between the 15th-17th Buddhist century—over 1,000 years ago—serving as significant evidence of Khmer artistic and cultural influence in the northeastern region. What distinguishes this site from typical archaeological monuments is its harmonious blend of art and nature; rather than being housed within a grand stone sanctuary, it lies hidden on rocks in the middle of a river deep within the forest, like a secret treasure of ancient civilization.
Army Region 2 reports that the site is increasingly attracting history enthusiasts, trekkers, and nature lovers. The opening of this nature study trail is expected to establish 'Underwater Narayana Reclining on the Ocean' as an important cultural and natural tourism destination for Thailand.
