Prasat Hin Phanom Wan, Hindu temple ruins in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand
Prasat Hin Phanom Wan is a temple complex centered on a sandstone stupa connected to a cloister via a square courtyard with three arched gateways. The site is enclosed by a laterite wall with four entrance towers, and traces of an ancient reservoir can be seen on the eastern side.
The complex was built in the 11th century as a Hindu sanctuary and underwent renovations in the 13th and 14th centuries to serve Buddhist worship. These changes document how the site adapted to the religious shifts happening in the region.
The north gate holds a standing Buddha figure in a forgiving gesture, showing how the site shifted from Hindu to Buddhist worship over time. This change is visible in how the spaces were gradually adapted for different religious practices.
The entire site is freely accessible for self-guided exploration on foot, with all structures visible from the ground level. Plan to arrive early in the day to have time to walk around comfortably and examine the stonework without crowds.
A pavilion within the complex was built specifically to receive King Jayavarman VII when he came to worship at the Buddha statue. This architectural feature shows how important the site was to the royal court.
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