Description
Prasat Ku Phanna (ปราสาทกู่พันนา), also known as Prasat Khom Ban Phanna (ปราสาทขอมบ้านพันนา) is one of four ancient Khmer era temple ruins to be found in Sakon Nakhon, the other three being the mountain top temple of Phra That Phu Pek, the 11th century Phrathat Narai Cheng Weng temple, which is nearby the university, and the brick prang at Wat Phrathat Dum.
Prasat Ku Phanna is different from the other 3 Khmer era ruins, which were all built around the 11th century, in that it is a hospital or "Arokayasala" built during the reign of Khmer ruler King Jayavarman VII (1181 – 1218). It is believed that 102 of such hospitals were built during his reign.
Prasat Ku Phanna's architecture consists of a main "castle" with a single apex and rectangular entrance way and porch. You can see through the castle to other parts of the sanctuary, leading to a statue of the Buddha protected by a 7-headed Naga serpent, which local residents make merit to. There is a large arch (or gopura) on the east side, and outside the southeastern laterite wall, there is a rectangular pond covered with laterite (a very hard rock rich in iron and aluminum).
In 1999, new excavations were undertaken at Prasat Ku Phanna, leading to the discovery of important Buddhist artifacts from the 1700s, including the head of Phra Watcharathorn (also known as Vajrasattva, the ideal Buddhist guru), and parts of a statue of the Bodhisattva Vajrapani (one of oldest Bodhisattvas in Mahayana tradition) and Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas). Each of these Buddhist idols were created in the Cambodian, Bayon style.
Every year in March, local villagers organize a traditional event called "Boon Khao Jee Yak" (บุญข้าวจี่ยักษ์), where they pay homage to the castle, and produce a great light and sound show. Prasat Ku Phanna is located about an hour Northwest of Sakon Nakhon, in the direction of Udon Thani. If visiting here the Khmer ruins be sure to drop by afterwards at one of our favorite Sakon Nakhon coffeehouses, the eclectic Dusty Rust-Eze Craft and Art Bar.
