Prasat Muang Tam Temple Khmer

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2012-12-05

Prasat Muang Tam Temple 1000 year old Khmer architecturePrasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerPrasat Muang Tam Temple 1000 year old Khmer architecturePrasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerA view of the main entrance with its imposing doorwaysprasat-muang-tam-temple-khmerA view of the main entrance with its imposing doorwaysprasat-muang-tam-temple-khmer

The four central towers at Prasat Muang Tam Temple Khmerthe main central tower has collapsed as its platform has tilted and subsided into the silt below.

The base is a platform of large stone blocks and steep steps. The towers are solidly built of thin brick. there is evidence that the bricks were deeply carved and shaped, with carved stones above the doorways.

There were probably many more tiers of brick on top of the towers.

Steep and narrow steps are typical of the Khmer architecture.

Pink stone building at Prasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerThis building is built of large square blocks of pink stone , and probably had a thatch and timber roof.

The windows are large and square and have vertical bars of turned stone. It may be that other buildings had window bars of turned wood.

the building stands on a double platform of large dark stone blocks, and is approached by steep steps.

Ornate carvings decorate the doorways

A figure gives a sense of scale at Prasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerSitting on the stone steps

deeply incised carving above the doorway at Prasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerSeveral diferent styles of carving are visible above this doorway.

The multi headed snake is one of the commonest designs.

A substantial wall alongside the doorway - Prasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerThis beautifully constructed stone wall surrounds the main precinct. The top layer are massive blocks of rounded stone that bulge out over the wall below and would make it almost impossible for a person to climb without a ladder.

beautifully carved doorway at Prasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerSome of the finest carving appears on the doorways. These 45 degree corners seem typical of khmer architecture here.

the lintel is heavily carved.

Subsidence visible in the precinct wall at Prasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerThe precinct wall shows signs of subsidence, but not collapse.

sacred lakes atPrasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerWater lillies grow in the sacred lakes. Steep flights of steps lead down to the water

L shaped temple lake at Prasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerA good view of the L shaped temple lakes at this Khmer temple which illustrates the importance of water.

Again the steep flights of steps.

An imposing gateway guards the inner sanctuary at Prasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerThe gateway is built of large blocks of pinkish stone on top of a dark stone block platform.

A major feature are the large windows with their turned stone bars to allow ventilation and light.

The towers inside rise above the outer walls.

A close up view of the impressive entrance gateway at Prasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerDetailed carvings decorate the doorway.

The diagonal corners can also be seen in the windows.

The brick temple towers of the inner precinct at Prasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerFour of the towers remain. The fifth central tower has collapsed.

Contrasting styles of building in the central precinct at Prasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerA brick built tower contrasts with the stone surrounding buildings.

The nearest building shows construction in both brick and stone.

Note the window with its lintel with diagonal faces, but a cental mortice in stone, making a very strong and earthquake proof structure.

A beautifully carved lintel at Prasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerThis carved lintel features a brahmin bull

Another carved lintel Prasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerAnother carved lintel

A closer view of the brick towers Prasat Muang Tam Temple KhmerA line of doorways between the brick towers

Prasat Muang Tam Temple Khmerprasat-muang-tam-temple-khmer