Prang

Prang: a Buddhist architecture of Khmer and Thai temples

A Prang is a tall tower like spire seen especially in Khmer temples. These prangs are richly carved. At the earliest period, prang was the shrine element of Hindu architecture in the Khmer Empire. Later when Buddhism was spread in this Empire, the prang was also used for the Buddhist architecture. By observing the features and beauty of the prang, Thai Buddhist builders later adapted this type of architectural design in Thai Buddhist temples especially during the Ayutthaya Kingdom and the Rattanakosin Kingdom. In the current period, prang is seen only with the most important Buddhist temples.

Architectural features of Prang temples

The origin of the term prang is based on the Sanskrit term pra which means forward or in front and the term anga which means limb of the body. As it has already been mentioned that the prang was first shrines element of Hindu architecture in the Khmer Empire. At that period, prang temples were meant to house the Hindu gods such as Shiva and Vishnu. It is also recorded that the inspiration for this architectural style of shrine came through the north Indian temples' shikhara and Rekha elements.

The outer appearance of the Prang took a form of a multi-tiered structure with receding size as we look at the top. This type of receding size creates a perspective illusion to show the building taller than actually is. On the cardinal direction of the prang, it has richly adorned tympanum and lintel above doorways or blind doors. Also, the roofs of the prang are adorned with antefixes which are inspired from the theme of multi-headed Nagas, Garuda, or deities.

Inside the prang temple, there is a small space known as cella. The reason behind the cella being small in space are:

1. The rituals were only reserved for a small elite family. It is recorded that in the capital of the Khmer, only the god king could enter the shrine.

2. Another reason is the technology of the Khmer architectures were not able to make large airy halls.

Whatever may be the reason behind Cella being small, this area was entered through a small porch, also known as the Mandapa. Usually, Mandapa is aligned to the eastern direction. Over the Cella rose the central tower which is known as the bud-shaped Prang and is crowned by a top stone in the form of a lotus bud. This structure is modeled after the cosmic mountain Meru.

As for the prangs in Thailand, the first one was built in Phimai, Khao Phnom Rung, and Lopburi between the early 10th century and the late 12th century. It was the period when Khmer kingdom was dominant and influences nearby area also. Even though the influence of Khmer Empire declined, the Thai architects didn't withdraw the architectural style of the prang. Instead, they extended and developed it. In Thailand, the architects build the prang in brick or laterite covered with stucco. The Cella was reached through the stairs. Early example of prang in Thailand is the Prang of the Wat Mahathat in Phitsanulok.

Later the Thai architects also modified the style of the Prang. They developed the prang as the Cella only. The entrance door became a niche in which the Buddha statues were installed. For the reasons of symmetry the niche was repeated on all four sides. The Trishul, weapon of Indra was placed on the pinnacle of the prang.

Even the prang in Thailand has evolved in itself. The modern prang is now a slim construction. The viewers can only suspect the building is the influence of the Khmer architecture. The best example of the modern day Prang is Wat Arun, six thin prangs at Wat Phra Kaeo, four prangs at Wat Pho, and five prangs at Wat Pichayart.

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