Prasat Sdok Kok Thom, Thailand

Address

Prasat Sdok Kok Thom, Khok Sung, Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo 27120, Thailand

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

Sdok Kok Thom is an 11th century Khmer temple built during the reign of King Udayadityavarman II. Dedicated to Shiva, the temple was constructed by a Brahmin priest who was granted royal land, slaves and nearby farming villages. The temple was formally consecrated in 1052 with the erection of a stone linga in the central sanctuary. The event was memorialized on a tall rectangular pillar that still survives, now known as the Sdok Kok Thom inscription.

Puranic Significance

The architectural design of this temple is linked with the great khmer empire which ruled for about 700 years. At the center of the temple is a sandstone tower, which served as the main sanctuary, probably sheltering a linga, symbol of Shiva. The tower’s door is on the east, approached by steps; the other three sides have false doors. A few meters to the northeast and southeast are two sandstone structures known as libraries, with large side windows and laterite bases. Enclosing the tower and libraries is a rectangular courtyard measuring roughly 42 by 36 meters and having galleries on all four sides. On the court’s eastern side is a gopura, or gate, reflecting the temple’s orientation to the east. In various places in the temple, there is extensive carving on stone, including floral decoration, Nāga serpents and a figure that appears to be the reclining Hindu god Viṣṇu.