ArchitecturePrasat Kumpanglang

Prasat Kumpanglang is surrounded by a square laterite wall. It is facing east. Inside the laterite wall is the location of four laterite prasats in Khmer Arts. The 3 prasats in the front were arranged in a north-south line. The principle prasat is taller than the other two. This is similar to Prang Sam Yod in Lopburi.The fourth prasat is located behind the principle prasat on the east side. Stucco patterns appear on this prasat. In the front there is a gopura or an entrance. Inside the laterite wall on the eastern area appears a pond. Important artifacts that were found here are the radiant Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, the body part of the 4- arm Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, the body part of a Buddha image Sheltered by a Naga, and the head of Prachya Paramita. The use of laterite as the main material for the construction and the layout of the diagram displays the motto of the Buddhistic Triad. The northern prasat is Prachya Paramita, the central prasat is the Buddha image Sheltered by a Naga, and the southern prasat is Avalokiteshvara; the arrrangement of the idols like this is found in Mahayana Buddhism during the 18th century B.E. in the reign of King Jayavarman VII; therefore, the age of the site can be determined to be contemporary with King Jayavarman VII. The Preah Khan Inscription of Cambodia mentioned Mueang “Srichaiya Watcharapura” (Mueang Phetchaburi) that it was one of the six ancient Mueangs in the Central Region where one of 23 Pra Chaiya Buddha Mahanat had been sent from Mueang Phra Nakhon Luang to be enshrined in Mueang Phetchaburi. When compared to the ancient ruins, it can be confirmed that this Prasat Kumpanglang is the prasat mentioned in the inscription. Prasat Preah Khan is a prasat that is contemporary with King Jayavarman VII as well.