Phra Prang Sam Yot

The temple was built by King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire in the early 13th century.[1] Jayavarman intended for the temple to be an important location in the royal cult surrounding himself, as it would increase the legitimacy of his rule. In addition, the temple served to showcase the prestige of the Khmer Empire in Lopburi (then known as Lavo) as it had only recently captured the city from its Cham and Mon rivals.[2] One prominent statue in the temple was dedicated by Jayavarmarm to "Jayabuddhamahanatha", which is translatable to "Victorius Buddha, the Great Protector" - further evidence of the temple's martial origins.[2]

Flag of Lopburi Province, which prominently displays the three towers of Phra Prang Sam Yot

Built along the lines of contemporaneous Khmer architecture, the temple is made from brick with a stucco exterior, the latter possibly being inspired by Mon architectural tradition. The structure has three towers, each with a corresponding deity; the north tower is dedicated to Prajnaparamita, the central tower to the Buddha, and the south tower to Avalokiteśvara.[2] The temple is furnished with art depicting Buddhist iconography. Originally dedicated to Mahayana Hinduism, the temple survived the end of the Khmer influence over Lavo, and the temple was later rededicated to Theravada Buddhism when Lopburi came under the control of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.[2] During the reign of Narai the Great (1656-1688) of Ayutthaya, a prayer hall (Wihar) was added to the temple complex.[3]

An image of Phra Prang Sam Yod is featured on a Thai baht note, and the temple is featured prominently on both the provincial seal and flag of Lodpuri Province.[4] The temple is often studied by Thai students. While it remains the site of active prayer, several sources have noted the temple is more popular as a tourist destination due to its resident population of monkeys.[4] The temple itself however is in relatively poor condition.[3][5]