Angkor Temple Guide: #25 Prasat Suor Prat
Prasat Suor Prat consists of twelve almost identical towers that stand facing the wonderful Terrace of the Elephants in the ancient city of Angkor Thom. This is deep in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The laterite and sandstone edifices would, in their day, have been quite a remarkable landmark attraction. The exact dates of these towers has been the subject of scholarly argument for years. It is thought that the construction may have begun under King Jayavarman VII, the city founder; almost certainly to be finished off later on in the first half of the 13th century by his successor King Indravarman II.
The name Suor Prat means “tightrope walking” and it has been speculated that these were performance towers for entertainers at the Royal Court. It is possible that ropes were strung between them, providing an entertainment area. This idea has though, been shot down by the 13th century Chinese envoy to Angkor, Zhou Daguan. He claimed the towers were used to settle legal disputes. The idea being that the two aggrieved parties were placed in the towers. They were left for a few days until one got sick. The healthy one won. Meanwhile a third legend tells of an ogress who imprisoned the king’s twelve wives in the towers. There is an alternative name for this temple which either lends credibility to this or has merely been born out of it. The name is “Prasat Neang Pi Dandap”, or “The Towers of the Twelve Young Women”.
There is no doubt that whatever their use, these were and still are important additions to the temples of Angkor Thom. Ten of the towers are lined up facing the Terrace of the Elephants whilst the other two, flank the Victory road. The main building material is laterite, whilst lintels, door frame and windows are of sandstone. For the most part there are no carvings. Though a few nagas and other figures are in evidence. The style though is completely unique. Oddly they don’t display any of the style or features of the Bayon, hence the arguments over the dates.
Top Tips when visiting Prasat Suor Prat
The best time to visit Prasat Suor Prat is the afternoon, it is less busy. But keep your eye on the temperatures.
Separate tickets are not needed for this particular tourist attraction, but you may be asked to show that you have a valid ticket for Angkor Thom.
Previously published:
1: Ak Yom https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-1-ak-yom
2: Angkor Thom https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-2-angkor-thom
3: Angkor Wat https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-3-angkor-wat
4: Bakong https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-4-bakong
5: Baksei Chamrong https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-5-baksei-chamrong
6: Banteay Kdei https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-6-banteay-kdei
7: Banteay Prei https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-7-banteay-prei
8: Banteay Samre https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-8-banteay-samre
9: Banteay Srey https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-9-banteay-srey
10: Baphuon https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-10-baphuon
11: Bat Chum https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-11-bat-chum
12: Bayon https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-12-bayon
13: Beng Mealea https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-13-beng-mealea
14: Chapel of the Hospital https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-14-the-chapel-of-the-hospital
15: Chau Say Tevoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-15-chau-say-tevoda
16: Kbal Spean https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-16-kbal-spean
17: The Khleangs https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-17-the-khleangs
18: Krol Ko https://steemit.com/temples/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-18-krol-ko
19: Lolei https://steemit.com/temples/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-19-lolei
20: Neak Pean https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-18-neak-pean
21: Phimeanakas https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-21-phimeanakas
22: Phnom Bakheng https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-22-phnom-bakheng
23: Prasat Kravan https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-templ-guide-23-prasat-kravan
24: Prasat Prei Monti https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-24-prasat-prei-monti
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