Prasat Ta Muan
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| Prasat Ta Muan | |
|---|---|
ปราสาทตาเมือน | |
| Location | |
| Location | Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province, Thailand |
  Location in Thailand | |
| Geographic coordinates | 14°20′25″N 103°08′55″E / 14.3403°N 103.1485°E |
Prasat Ta Muan (Thai: ปราสาทตาเมือน) is a small Khmer-style temple located in Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province, northeastern Thailand. It is part of the broader **Ta Muan temple group**, which also includes the nearby **Prasat Ta Muen Thom** and **Prasat Ta Muen Tot**, but is a distinct site with its own structure and presumed function.
History
[edit]Prasat Ta Muan was constructed during the Angkorian period, most likely in the late 12th to early 13th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. The temple is interpreted as a Dharmasala (rest house chapel) that served travelers along the ancient Khmer road that connected Angkor with Phimai and other outposts of the Khmer Empire in what is now Thailand.
Location
[edit]The sanctuary is located about 2.7 km southeast of Ban Nong Khanna Samakkhi village. Approximately 250 meters to the north is a small stream, and about 2.2 km to the northeast lies Ta Mong Reservoir, a natural water source. It is also approximately 2.5 km northwest of Prasat Ta Muen Thom and accessible via road from the main visitor center of the **Prasat Ta Muen Historical Park**.
Architecture
[edit]The temple consists of a single main sanctuary made primarily of laterite with sandstone elements. The floor plan is rectangular, measuring about 6.30 x 6.30 meters, and the building faces east. Key features include:
- Main Sanctuary: A rectangular structure constructed with laterite, with sandstone used for the window and door frames and decorative motifs. The main entrance is to the east, and five narrow windows are set into the southern wall, while the northern wall is solid. A rear doorway leads westward into the central chamber. The roof structure has collapsed.
- Lintel: Above the eastern entrance is a sculpted lintel depicting the Buddha in meditation posture (dhyana mudra) seated in a jeweled arch, resting on a Kala face that disgorges two lions. On either side are figures presenting offerings, typical of the Bayon style.
- Door Columns: The doorframe is flanked by intricately carved pilasters, though they are currently damaged or missing in places.
- Boundary Elements: Traces of a laterite perimeter wall and gopura (entrance gate) are still visible, though mostly in ruin.
Dating and style
[edit]Based on architectural style and layout, Prasat Ta Muan is attributed to the Bayon style of Khmer art, placing it in the 18th Buddhist century (late 12th to early 13th century CE).
Function
[edit]It is believed to have functioned as a **Dharmasala**—a religious rest house—one of many built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII to support pilgrims, traders, and officials traveling throughout the Khmer Empire.
Conservation and legal status
[edit]The site is under the protection of Thailand's Fine Arts Department. It was officially registered as an ancient monument in the Royal Gazette, Volume 52, Part 75, dated 8 March 1935. The site is open to the public and includes interpretive signage explaining its historical context.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- Travelfish, "Prasat Ta Muen Historical Park," *Travelfish.org*, retrieved July 2025.
- Nairobroo, "ปราสาทตาเมือน – ศิลปะขอมกลางป่าชายแดน," *Nairobroo.com*, retrieved July 2025.
- Fine Arts Department of Thailand (1993). *Tamniap Boran Sathaan Khom Nai Prathet Thai – Volume 2: Buriram Province*. Bangkok: Namkang Kanphim Ltd.
- Facebook historical record – บ้านหนองคันนาสามัคคี