To identify whether a particular temple in Hindu or Buddhist in origin, take note of the temple's key decorative elements, which should indicate the underlying religious basis for the temple's construction.

Lord Buddha meditating beneath seven-headed naga at Prasat Hin Phimai		Nataraja or Dancing Shiva at Prasat Phanom Rung

For example, the southern lintel of the main sanctuary at Prasat Phimai bears the sculpture of a Buddha meditating beneath seven-headed naga, a mythical serpent protector of Buddhism. Meanwhile a similarly placed lintel at Prasat Phanom Rung depicts the Nataraja or Dancing Shiva, a primary deity in Hindusim.

Configuration & Construction
Khmer temple complexes either line up along a single axis or else are grouped in a square or rectangle around a central monument. Prasat Khao Phra Viharn is an example of sites which follow the axil plan, while Prasat Muang Tam and Prasat Phimai were built around a central plan. Some sites, such as the magnificent Prasat Phanom Rung, combine the two, placing a walled quadrangle complex at the end of an axil series of structures. Only Khmer monuments found in Thailand, in fact, exhibit this axil-central combination.

Click to expand Axil construction Prasat Khao Phra Viharn

Click to expand Central construction Prasat Hin Phimai

Prasat Phanom Rung The combined "Axil" and "Central Plan" construction is unique to the Khmer structures in Thailand. In Cambodia, it is one or the other.

Prasat Phanom Rung		Prasat Hin Phimai

The tall, tapering towers are arguably the single most prominent architectural feature at all Angkor-period sites. Known to the Thais by the Khmer term prang, these corncob-like shape allude to Mount Meru, the mythical peak at the center of the Hindu-Buddhist universe.

The largest prang-topped building in a complex contained the central image, whether it be a sculpture of Shiva or Vishnu (for Hindu monuments) or Maitreya Buddha (in Buddhist complexes). Here the most important religious rituals were observed by the clergy and monarchy.

Smaller prang-topped structures either leading to the main shrines (in the case of axil plans) or surrounding them on four sides (in central plans), are known as gopura, a Sanskrit term applied to entrance pavilions.

At some sites, most prominently Prasat Phanom Rung and Khao Phra Viharn, gopuras are arranged in a straight line leading up to the main shrine.

Prasat Phanom Rung Gopuras are arranged in a straight line leading up to the main shrine

Khao Phra Viharn Prasat Phimai At others, such as Prasat Phimai and Prasat Kamphaeng Yai, gopuras are incorporated into the main surrounding wall at equally spaced compass points.

Prasat Phanom Rung

The terracing of the bases on which the various shrines have been erected comprises another important architectural hallmark, one that reinforces the impression of height.

The steps are made deliberately narrow to engender a humbling effect on visitors as they prepare to worship higher beings. Prasat Phanom Rung extends the terracing notion to great effect in the approach to the site's main entrance.

Naga balustrade The Naga bridges linking the world of man to the world of the gods

Other buildings found at the larger complexes include 'library' halls where palm-leaf religious manuscripts were once stored.

Once a design was finalised, bricks were moulded or stones cut, the various components of an assembled temple became a vast canvas for the gifted Khmer sculptors of the era. Virtually every portion of the temple, every cornice, lintel, pediment, and pilaster was carved to represent important scenes from Hindu or Buddhist mythology.

The most important relief carvings are almost always found on lintels, the assemblage of stone or brick along the tops of doorways. Since to enter and leave the various temple chambers one must pass through the various doorways, lintel art is guaranteed a captive audience.

	One of the richest lintel motifs depicts the Hindu god Vishnu asleep on the back of Ananta Sesha, a sea serpent which in turn floats on the cosmic sea of eternity. Growing from Vishnu's navel, a lotus vine branches into several blossoms, on one of which sits Brahma, the Hindu god responsible for creating the universe. This scene represents the pre-creation cosmos lying dormant, but with the emergence of Brahma, about to be activated. The most famous Vishnu relief of this kind occupies an elegantly carved lintel at Prasat Phanom Rung.
	Vishnu also makes frequent appearances as two of his major incarnations, Rama and Krishna. At Prasat Phimai, visitors can view a relief depicting Krishna defeating the demon Kamsa at the eastern portico of the main prang.
	Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and renewal, is equally present at Hindu temple sites. One of the deity's most striking sculptural appearances portrays him as the multi-armed Nataraja or King of Dance. In one of his right hands he holds a small two-headed drum representing creation, and in one of his left hands, a flame representing destruction. Thus the dance symbolises the cyclical nature of the cosmos as it moves from creation to destruction and back again, with Shiva as the central catalyst. One of Shiva's feet rests on the back of Apasmara, a figure embodying human ignorance and cruelty.

Floral motifs, which run extensively along the cornices, colonettes, and lintels of virtually every Isan Khmer site, are yet another representation of the natural world juxtaposed with the heavenly world of the gods. Oftentimes carved as flower garlands, they call to mind the extensive offering of flowers that once would have occurred at these shrines.

			THE HINDU TRINITY OF GODS BRAHMA, VISHNU, SHIVA
			SHIVA (Phra Isuan in Thai) Shiva is god of destruction, which precedes creation, and rebirth. The linga or stylised phallus represents Shiva's vital energy.
Lintel from the mandapa showing Vishnu Anantasayin. Vishnu reclining on the back of the Naga King in the milky ocean.			VISHNU (Phra Narai in Thai) Vishnu is the Preserver and Protector. When Vishnu descends to earth, he appears in various incarnations, or avatars. Other items associated with Vishnu include the discus and the conch. On Khmer lintels, Vishnu is often depicted in a reclining position and is accompanied by his consort, Lakshami or Sri.
			BRAHMA is the Creator of all things. Brahma has 4 heads and 4 arms - a symbol of his divinity.In his many hands, he holds a sceptre, rosary, bow and alms bowl. Or a water jug.Brahma is born from Vishnu's navel at the beginning of each world cycle.
			GANESHA The elephant-headed son of Shiva
		UMA is Shiva's consort     NANDIN, The Sacred Bull is the mount or vehicle of Shiva
			RAMA Rama, the hero in Ramayana, is one of the earthly incarnations of Vishnu Lintel featuring a scene from the Ramayana: Rama and Lakshmana have been tied up by a Naga Sita supports Rama's head
			SITA is wife of Rama
			GARUDA A mythological creature that is half man and half bird, the Garuda is the mount of the god, Vishnu.
			LAKSHMI OR SRI, wife of the god, Vishnu, is said to have been born during the "Churning of the Sea of Milk", part of the cycle of creation and destruction. Her emblem is the lotus.
			KURMA (or Kurma-avatara) During the cycle of creation and destruction, Vishnu is reincarnated as a giant turtle and is seen supporting the Mount Mandara in the "Churning of the Sea of Milk".
			KRISHNA Hero of the Mahabharata epic, and another of the avatars or incarnations of Vishnu Lintel: Krishna executing Kamsa Krishna with raised right hand holding a club, while grasping Kamsa by the topknot with his left hand
			HAMSA, The Sacred Goose is the mount of the god, Brahma The principal gods of the Brahmin faith Brahma on Hamsa, Indra on the elephant - Airavata, Vishnu on Garuda. Shiva and Uma are riding on Nandin, the sacred bull
			NAGA The Naga or multi-headed serpent is featured in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. It is believed that the realm of the Naga's underwater kingdom encompasses the rivers, lakes and seas of the world. The Naga is keeper of Life's force stored in the waters and guardian of corals, shells and pearls and is frequently featured with a jewel in its head.The image of the Lord Buddha being sheltered by the Naga was particularly popular in Northeast Thailand, and is one of the important images in Buddhist sculpture.
			KALA (or Kirtimukha) The Kala, a demon commanded to consume itself, reflects Indian influence and is a motif that has been adopted and is commonly featured over a temple entrance as guardian.

	APRIL 3-5, 2006 ASTRO-ARCHAEOLOGICAL PHENOMENON AT PRASAT HIN KHAO PHANOM RUNG Phanom Rung Historical Park, Chalermphrakiat district, Buri Ram province Please click to view
	URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT AS OF MARCH 13, 2006 KHAO PHANOM RUNG FESTIVAL — THE ASCENT OF KHAO PHANOM RUNG Phanom Rung Historical Park Original date: April 1-2, 2006 This event has been postponed until further notice.

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