Phanom Rung Historical Park

Phanom Rung Historical Park
Phanom Rung Historical Park Location in Thailand
Name
Proper name	Phanom Rung
Geography
Coordinates	14°31′57″N 102°56′30″E / 14.53250°N 102.94167°E / 14.53250; 102.94167Coordinates: 14°31′57″N 102°56′30″E / 14.53250°N 102.94167°E / 14.53250; 102.94167
Country	Thailand
Province	Buriram
Culture
Primary deity	Shiva
Architecture
Architectural styles	Khmer
History and governance
Date built	10th–13th centuries

Phanom Rung (Thai: พนมรุ้ง), or full name, Prasat Hin Phanom Rung (Thai: ปราสาทหินพนมรุ้ง – Phanom Rung Stone Castle), is a Khmer temple complex set on the rim of an extinct volcano at 402 metres (1,319 ft) elevation, in Buriram Province in the Isan region of Thailand. It was built of sandstone and laterite in the 10th to 13th centuries. It was a Hindu shrine dedicated to Shiva, and symbolises Mount Kailash, his heavenly dwelling.

Thailand's Department of Fine Arts spent 17 years restoring the complex to its original state from 1971 to 1988. On 21 May 1988, the park was officially opened by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. In 2005, the temple was submitted to UNESCO for consideration as a future World Heritage Site.

After the three-leveled lower stairway is the first cruciform platform, giving a first peek at the main temple. On the right, northward, is Phlab Phla or the White Elephant House. The pavilion is believed to be the place where kings and the royal family would change attire before rituals. Royalty would then enter the processional walkway, one of the most impressive elements of the park. It is 160 meters long and bordered by seventy sandstone posts with tops of lotus buds. The walkway itself is paved with laterite blocks.