Preah Vihear Temple and Prasat Ta Muen Thom

Context: Recently, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire to curtail a century-old dispute over the 11th-century Preah Vihear Hindu temple.

About Preah Vihear Temple

• A Hindu temple located in the Dangrek Mountains (Northern Cambodia).
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Constructed during the Khmer Empire’s golden era (11th–12th century).
• Initially built by King Suryavarman I (1002–1050) and later expanded by Suryavarman II (1113–1150).
• Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Architectural Features

• A prime example of classical Khmer temple architecture.
• Built along an 800-metre-long north–south axis with a series of sanctuaries.
• Comprises more than five gopuras (entrance towers), connected by long pavements and staircases.
• Unique for its multi-tiered platforms and gopuras connected by a central path.
• Some gopuras have stone roofs; others originally had wooden roofs, many now in ruins.

Prasat Ta Muen Thom

• A 12th-century ancient Khmer temple originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, later used for Buddhist purposes.
• Part of the Prasat Ta Muen group, which includes:
  • Prasat Ta Muen Thom (Hindu temple)
  • Prasat Ta Muen (Dharma Sala or rest house)
  • Prasat Ta Muen Tot (Hospital Shrine)

Constructed

• During the Khmer Empire under King Udayadityavarman II and was later expanded by King Jayavarman VII (13th century).
• Reflects Angkorian architecture and socio-religious life of the Khmer era (9th–15th century).

Architectural Features

• Prasat Ta Muen Thom:
  • Made of sandstone, south-facing.
  • Houses a Shiva Lingam with a water outlet and a surrounding cloister.
  • Includes nearby laterite libraries and a pool.
• Prasat Ta Muen Tot:
  • Functioned as a hospital shrine.
  • Contains Khmer-Sanskrit inscriptions detailing medical appointments and public health services.
• Prasat Ta Muen (Dharma Sala): Likely served as a pilgrim’s rest house along religious and trade routes.

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