Travel like the wind by Suhart Choolee
On a night when thick clouds and driving rain obscured the stars, even the Milky Way, the imposing sandstone temple stood stark against the darkness. Faint, whispering voices, like a distant chant, emanated from within its walls. A chilling sensation ran down one’s spine with each gust of wind, as if the sounds belonged to celestial guardians or perhaps the royal priest, Phra Rajakru Sri Chayenthravaman, still residing within the sacred temple.
This temple, built by King Uthaititthayavarman II in dedication to Shiva after his retreat from monastic life, had also served as the site of his coronation ceremonies. Centuries, perhaps millennia, had passed, and the once-grand monument had succumbed to the natural cycle of decay.
This temple is believed to hold a crucial key to the history of Khmer civilization, a fact recognized by international archaeologists. In 1911, Lunet de Lajonquire discovered a Sanskrit and Khmer inscription at the northeastern corner of the central temple, detailing the genealogy of Khmer kings with remarkable accuracy and comprehensiveness. 
The sight was breathtaking: the rows of columns, the kopura archways, and the central temple, all standing majestically as a testament to the bond between King Uthaititthayavarman II (reigned 1593–1609) and his revered royal priest, Sri Chayenthravaman.
This temple is believed to hold a crucial key to the history of Khmer civilization, a fact recognized by international archaeologists. In 1911, Lunet de Lajonquire discovered a Sanskrit and Khmer inscription at the northeastern corner of the central temple, detailing the genealogy of Khmer kings with remarkable accuracy and comprehensiveness. 
The sight was breathtaking: the rows of columns, the kopura archways, and the central temple, all standing majestically as a testament to the bond between King Uthaititthayavarman II (reigned 1593–1609) and his revered royal priest, Sri Chayenthravaman.
This temple, nestled among tall bulrushes, tells a story of the profound connection between culture and architecture
As the sun bathed the temple in its radiant light, the surrounding area buzzed with activity, as people joyfully captured photographs. The birds soared from the temple, and the once-chilling whispers were revealed to be the chirps of small, winged creatures—birds with the voices of ancient mystics.
Information from the Fine Arts Department: The Sdok Kok Thom Temple was built in 1595 AD by King Uthaititthayavarman II, who restored the sacred site of Pattharapatna, which had been destroyed during the civil war under King Suriyavarman I.
At the request of the Brahmin Sthasiva (or Chayenthravaman), the king established this temple, renaming it Patthaniketana (“The Good Dwelling”) in honor of his royal priest.
He also dedicated a Shiva Linga and provided servants for the temple
Prasat Sadok Kok Thom (ปราสาทสด็อกก็อกธม)
The temple is in Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province, near the village of Ban Nong Samet.
Leave a comment