Prasat Muang Tam
Prasat Muang Tam lies only 8 km (5 mi.) from Prasat Phanom Rung, but it is better to make a detour via Prakhon Chai. Take Highway 2075 from there southwards, following the signposts when leaving the town.
Although partly ruined, Prasat Muang Tam remains imposing. It dates from the 10th/11th c. and is surrounded by four laterite walls (115 m (377 ft) by 140 m (459 ft)). For centuries it was overgrown by dense jungle and was only uncovered in the mid-20th c.
The walls were interrupted by four gates (gopuram) in three parts, each placed centrally.
Although partly ruined, Prasat Muang Tam remains imposing. It dates from the 10th/11th c. and is surrounded by four laterite walls (115 m (377 ft) by 140 m (459 ft)). For centuries it was overgrown by dense jungle and was only uncovered in the mid-20th c.
The walls were interrupted by four gates (gopuram) in three parts, each placed centrally.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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The lintels have been partially retained and show finely detailed lively sculptures with scenes from Brahmin mythology.
The outer courtyard presents a pleasant picture, with a little imagination the size of the former site can be realized. There is an large L-shaped pond in each corner, each surrounded by a naga with a tall headshell. Along with a few sandstone wall fragments, only the gates with their richly decorated lintels remain of the galleries which once surrounded this courtyard.
A 22 sq. m (72 sq. ft) base in the prasat bears the main shrine: five brick-built prangs, arranged in two rows, of which only three remain. The main lintel has disintegrated down to the pedestal. Remarkable here are the particularly richly ornamented lintels, some of which occupy their original positions, while others have fallen to the ground. One of the lintels shows Krishna (as a divine cowherd, one of Vishnu's many manifestations) standing on Kirtimukha's head; a rare portrayal, as Krishna is usually depicted with his beloved Radha.
The outer courtyard presents a pleasant picture, with a little imagination the size of the former site can be realized. There is an large L-shaped pond in each corner, each surrounded by a naga with a tall headshell. Along with a few sandstone wall fragments, only the gates with their richly decorated lintels remain of the galleries which once surrounded this courtyard.
A 22 sq. m (72 sq. ft) base in the prasat bears the main shrine: five brick-built prangs, arranged in two rows, of which only three remain. The main lintel has disintegrated down to the pedestal. Remarkable here are the particularly richly ornamented lintels, some of which occupy their original positions, while others have fallen to the ground. One of the lintels shows Krishna (as a divine cowherd, one of Vishnu's many manifestations) standing on Kirtimukha's head; a rare portrayal, as Krishna is usually depicted with his beloved Radha.