Prasat Sikhoraphum (Thai: ปราสาทศีขรภูมิ) is a Khmer temple located in Thailand, located between the cities of Surin and Sisaket. It was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II for Hindu worship.

Sikhoraphum
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
ProvinceSurin
Location
LocationSikhoraphum, Amphoe Sikhoraphum
CountryThailand
Prasat Sikhoraphum is located in Thailand
Prasat Sikhoraphum
Location in Thailand
Geographic coordinates14°56′44″N 103°47′56″E / 14.94556°N 103.79889°E / 14.94556; 103.79889
Architecture
TypeKhmer
CreatorSuryavarman II
Completed12th century

The temple is composed of five sandstone and brick towers, on a base made of laterite. There are sandstone bas-reliefs on the main tower depicting Shiva, Brahma, Ganesha, Vishnu and Uma. The door frames have sets of apsaras, devatas and dvarapalas. The temple was converted for use by Buddhists in the 16th century. Architectural contributions influenced by Laos are evident on the tower roofs. The name comes from the Sanskrit word of South India shikhara, meaning tower sanctuary.

edit

References

edit
  • Michael Freeman, A guide to Khmer temples in Thailand & Laos, Rivers Books, 1996
  • Michael Freeman, Palaces of the Gods: Khmer Art & Architecture in Thailand, River Books, 2001
  • Yoshiaki Ishizawa, Along The Royal Roads To Angkor, Weatherhill, 1999
  • Claude Jacques and Philippe Lafond, The Khmer Empire, River Books, 2007
  • Vittorio Roveda, Images of the gods: khmer mythology in Cambodia, Thailand and Laos, River Books, 2005
  • Betty Gosling, Origins of thai art, River Books, 2004
  • Carte animée de l'empire khmer de 100 à 1500 AD
edit