Phra Prang Sam Yot
Phra Prang Sam Yod Thai: พระปรางค์สามยอด | |
---|---|
Religion | |
Affiliation | Theravada Buddhism |
Status | Open |
Location | |
Location | Lopburi, Lopburi province, Thailand |
Country | Thailand |
Geographic coordinates | 14°48′10″N 100°36′51″E / 14.80291°N 100.61407°E |
Architecture | |
Founder | Jayavarman VII |
Groundbreaking | c. 1200 |
Phra Prang Sam Yot, also known as Phra Prang Sam Yod, is a 13th-century temple in Lopburi, Thailand. The temple is currently a popular tourist destination.
Description
The temple was built by King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire in the early 13th century.[1] Jayavarman intended for the temple to be an important location in the royal cult surrounding himself, as it would increase the legitimacy of his rule. In addition, the temple served to showcase the prestige of the Khmer Empire in Lopburi (then known as Lavo) as it had only recently captured the city from its Cham and Mon rivals.[2] One prominent statue in the temple was dedicated by Jayavarman to "Jayabuddhamahanatha", which is translatable to "Victorious Buddha, the Great Protector" - further evidence of the temple's martial origins.[2] Built along the lines of contemporaneous
An image of Phra Prang Sam Yod is featured on a
Monkeys
The temple is famous for its large population of crab-eating macaque monkeys, which live in and around the temple grounds. The monkey population has always been present in Lopburi, but the start of the locally-held Monkey Buffet Festival in 1989 led to a dramatic increase in their population. The festival serves a dual purpose, drawing in tourists while also honoring the traditional Lopburi belief that monkeys are disciples of Jao Paw Phra Kan, a spirit which protects the city.[3]
While the monkeys provide a valuable boon to local tourism, their activities have caused some damage to the temple's exterior (they are prevented from entering the temple).[2][3]
References
- ^ Lertcharnrit, Thanik. "Heritage Values and Meanings in Contemporary Thailand." Heritage Values in Contemporary Society (2010): 279-285.
- ^ a b c d e orientalarchitecture.com. "Prang Sam Yod Temple, Lopburi, Thailand". Asian Architecture. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
- ^ – via citeseerx.
- ^ a b "Phra Prang Sam Yot, Prang Khaek & San Phra Kan shrine Lopburi". www.renown-travel.com. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
- ^ Sunghitakul, Arak (1995). "The restoration of Prang Sam Yod monument". Fifth Seminar on the Conservation of Asian Cultural Heritage: Technological Problems in the International Cooperative Activity for Conservation. Nara, October 17-19, 1995: 31–54.