Prasat Sikhoraphum Explained

Sikhoraphum
Map Type:Thailand
Coordinates:14.9456°N 103.7989°W
Country:Thailand
Province:Surin
Location:Sikhoraphum, Amphoe Sikhoraphum
Architecture:Khmer
Year Completed:12th century
Creator:Suryavarman II

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.

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.

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