Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng, the “Temple of the Sacred Fire”, probably owes its name to the cremation ceremonies once held here; the ruins of the small chedi along the western side of the temple were used to house the ashes of the most important dignitaries of the kingdom. Perched on an altar in front of the most central chedi, a seated Buddha is depicted calling the Earth to witness, while at his feet worshippers place lotus buds and burning candles. An avenue paved with laterite runs to the rear of the temple.