Phra Prang Sam Yot Temple, Thailand

Address

Phra Prang Sam Yot Temple, Old City Si Phum Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Diety

Buddha

Introduction

Phra Prang Sam Yot, also known as Phra Prang Sam Yod, is a 13th-century temple in Lopburi, Thailand. A former Hindu Shrine built in the 13th century in the classic Bayon style of Khmer architecture, the compound comprises three prangs (towers) linked by a corridor. The three laterite and sandstone spires decorated with classic stucco are believed to have originally represented the Hindu Trimurti; Brahman (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Siva (the destroyer). During the reign of King Narai, the shrine was converted into a Buddhist Temple when a brick viharn located to the east which houses a grand U-Thong-Ayutthaya style Buddha image was probably built. Buddha images were later added to the two prangs.

Puranic Significance

The temple was built by King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire in the early 13th century. 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. One prominent statue in the temple was dedicated by Jayavarmarm to “Jayabuddhamahanatha”, which is translatable to “Victorius Buddha, the Great Protector” . The structure has three towers, each with a corresponding deity; the north tower is dedicated to Prajnaparamita, the central tower to the Buddha, and the south tower to Avalokiteśvara. The temple is also called as Monkey Temple due to thai people celebrate “Monkey Buffet” festival.