Ho Phra Isuan and Ho Phra Narai are important historical sites of Brahmanism and Hinduism. They are located opposite each other on Ratchadamnoen Road in the Nai Mueang subdistrict, Mueang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. These sites bear witness to a Brahmanical civilization whose origins date back to the time of the Tambralinga kingdom.

1. Ho Phra Isuan (Shrine of Lord Shiva)

• Belief system: A Brahmanical shrine belonging to the Shaivite tradition, worshipping Phra Isuan (Lord Shiva) as the supreme deity.

• It houses a linga (phallic symbol of Shiva) and its base, the yoni, as well as important bronze figures of deities, including Shiva Nataraja (the Lord of the Dance), Parvati (Phra Uma), and Ganesha. (Note: The original bronze figures are currently kept at the Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum; the figures displayed in the shrine are replicas.)

• Nearby attractions: The *Sao Ching Cha* (Giant Swing) of Nakhon Si Thammarat is located in the immediate vicinity.

• Opening hours: Open daily from 07:00 to 16:20.

2. Ho Phra Narai (Shrine of Lord Vishnu)

• Belief system: A Brahmanical shrine belonging to the Vaishnava tradition, which worships Phra Narai (Lord Vishnu) as the supreme deity.

1186 Ratchadamnoen Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80000 Key Features:

• It houses an image of Phra Narai (Lord Vishnu), distinguished by the deity's striking octagonal cylindrical headdress. In his right hand, he holds a conch shell; this is considered one of the oldest deity images in Southeast Asia.

• History of origin: It is believed to have originated during the Ayutthaya period and has been continuously restored since then.