Prasat Sra Kamphaeng Yai - Khmer Temple From 1042 & Modern Buddhist Temple - Si Sa Ket Thailand 2025

2 months ago
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Prasat Sra Kamphaeng Yai ปราสาทสระกำแพงใหญ่

The most substantial of Sisaket Province's Khmer sites, Prasat Sra Kamphaeng Yai consists of 4 standing towers and 2 libraries within a walled enclosure featuring 4 gopuras. 3 of the east-facing towers share a laterite terrace while a 4th sits behind the southernmost of the terrace shrines. It is likely that an additional tower was intended to be placed behind the northernmost of the 3. The central tower is a mixture of brick and sandstone elements while the remaining shrines, as well as the 2 libraries, are in brick. The gopuras and enclosing wall are of laterite.

Octagonal colonettes, a damaged pediment and several lintels are still in situ with the latter featuring Khleang-style designs. The central tower appears to be slightly older than the others while decorative elements on the libraries indicate a probably Baphuon period.

The doorjamb of the eastern gopura also features a lengthy inscription in ancient Khmer which has been provisionally dated to 1042, placing it firmly in the Suryavarman I era.

The ruined sanctuary can be found on the grounds of Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai, the prasat's modern successor. Also here is a massive statue of the former abbot, a giant gong and some amusing statues depicting what punishments may await people in the Buddhist version of Hell as a result of various misdeeds in this life.

Prasat Sa Kamphaeng Yai is the largest and most perfect Khmer ruins in the province. The Khmer ruins consist of three stupas on the same base lining in a north-south direction and facing east. It was served as a shrine for God Shiva before changing into a Mahayana Buddhist temple in the 13th century.

The site has been extensively restored in recent times by the Thai Fine Arts Department.

This is a must see if you are in the area. The old ruins mixed in with the modern temple are a sight to see.

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