The Phra Prang Sam Yot is Lopburi’s best known landmark and one of its oldest. It is one of several monuments that date back to the Khmer era. The monument in the center of Lopburi town is perhaps best known for the large number of monkeys that run around free, constantly on the lookout for food.
“Three holy prangs”
Phra Prang Sam Yot, which translates to “three holy prangs” is featured on the provincial seal of Lopburi which depicts Vishnu in front of the monuments’s three prangs.
The Phra Prang Sam Yot consists of three Khmer style laterite prangs, the central one being the tallest, the other two a little smaller. The prangs stand on a low base and are connected by vaulted passageways.
The towers are adorned with stuccoed decorations of mythological creatures, of which little remains today. Carved into the colonettes of the Southern door, sitting in a niche is a carving of Rishi, hermits from Indian and Thai mythology. Two of the prangs contain Buddha images in the Lopburi style.
Name
Phra Prang Sam Yot
Date
Late 12th - early 13th century
Location
Lopburi town