Dedicatory plaque

It has been a common practice in Southeast Asia since ancient times to deposit a dedicatory plaque, together with small representations of gods, flowers, and mystical animals, in the foundation of a religious structure.

The arrangement of figures and motifs on this plaque reflects the ideal organization of a Hindu temple based on ancient religious texts. Placed in the foundation of a temple, the plaque symbolically transforms ordinary space into sacred space. Here, the function of the plaque is enhanced by its precious material and the fact that gold, because it does not tarnish, seems unchanging and eternal.

Depicted are sixty-four figures of Hindu deities. In the center of the top of the plaque is an unusual composite of Vishnu and Surya. Based on the ancient texts, the thirty-two figures along the other three sides may represent the constellations, which were supposed to have a great influence, both good and bad, on humankind. Figures of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, are depicted at the four corners. In the center is a full-blossoming lotus flower.