Ta Mueang Toch Temple
It is one of the temples within the Ta Mueang temple group in the Ta Mueang Historical Park.
Ta Mueang Toch Temple, also known as Ta Mueang Tod Temple.
It is located in the Ta Mueang (or Ta Mieng) Pass of the Phanom Dong Rak Mountains, within Ban Nong Khanna Samakkhi, Moo 8, Ta Mieng Subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province. It is one of the temples in the Ta Mueang Historical Park.
It is the smallest temple in the Ta Mueang Historical Park, which comprises three stone temples: Ta Mueang Thom, Ta Mueang Tod, and Ta Mueang.
Location:
Ta Mueang Toch (Tod) Temple
Ta Mueang Tod Temple is located approximately 750 meters northwest of Ta Mueang Thom and about 390 meters southeast of Ta Mueang. It sits along an ancient route that historically connected the Mekong River basin with Angkor, the capital of the Khmer Empire.
Architectural Features
Ta Mueang Tod Temple is the smallest temple in the Ta Mueang group (Ta Mueang Thom, Ta Mueang Tod, Ta Mueang). Despite its modest size, it features distinctive and intriguing architectural characteristics, particularly its design for a specialized purpose as an Arokayasala or ancient hospital.
Construction Materials and Architectural Features of Ta Mueang Tod Temple
The temple is primarily built from laterite, a durable and locally abundant material. Certain parts, such as door frames or the buildings base, may use sandstone for finer carving details.
The structure is small and simple, consisting of only one building with a slightly raised base. It has a front entrance and solid side walls. The side walls feature stone-lattice windows (luk ma wat), a distinctive element of Khmer architecture. Unlike a main religious temple, it has no prang or spire.
The surrounding enclosure wall (gallery) shows traces of laterite walls, forming a compact square layout.
Water system and other structures:
- A small ancient pond is located on the northern side, possibly used for rituals or washing wounds.
- The environment is a cool riverside plain at the foot of the mountains, suitable for recuperation or medical treatment.
Interior features:
- Inside the building, a yoni base is present, a square stone platform with a central hole for draining sacred water.
- The absence of a Shivalinga suggests that the temple was likely used for religious activities combined with healing or medical treatment, rather than serving as a primary religious sanctuary.
Ta Mueang Tod Temple
Arokayasala Architecture
The temple is designed in the Arokayasala style, following the principles of King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire. This architectural approach emphasizes simplicity and functionality, specifically to support patient care activities. It reflects the Mahayana Buddhist concept of compassion (metta), integrating healing and spiritual care within the temples design.
Visiting Information Ta Mueang Tod Temple
Opening Hours:
Open daily from 08:00 to 17:00
Visitors can explore on their own, with informational signs at key points
Admission Fee:
Free of charge
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