Beliefs and Meanings in Architecture: Three Temple Towers in Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

The three temple towers are a distinctive feature of ancient Khmer architecture, created to pay homage to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma (the Hindu Trimurti or Trinity). This architectural style was first developed in Angkor during the Kulen period in the 14th Buddhist century. The style gained popularity and evolved into community deity shrines in the northeastern region of Thailand during the 16th to 17th Buddhist centuries.

This article aims to explore the development of the design of three temple towers found in the northeastern region of Thailand from the 16th to the 18th Buddhist centuries. It examines the significance of architectural elements by comparing them with the step pyramid architectural forms. The article also discusses the changes in the architectural meaning of the three temple towers by studying various aspects, such as historical information, architectural styles, and religious beliefs, from case studies across different areas. This analysis seeks to interpret the concepts behind the architectural design of the three temple towers.

The study found that the three temple towers in the northeastern region of Thailand were constructed between the 16th and 17th Buddhist centuries as ceremonial centers for the community. The choice of the three temple towers as the community’s sacred site may stem from various reasons. Firstly, architectural dignity played a role, as most temples built in the capital city featured a multi-tiered base style exclusively reserved for royal institutions. This style symbolized governance, status, and the replication of the cosmic order, establishing a traditional concept of regality. As a result, the three temple towers were widely adopted by commoners with a lower status than royalty as ceremonial venues within their communities. Secondly, the simplicity of the three temple towers was a key factor. Its straightforward design, lacking the complexity of the multi-tiered base temples, made it easier and faster to construct, allowing for convenient construction in remote areas.

When the influence of Mahayana Buddhist beliefs began to reach northeastern Thailand around the 18th Buddhist century, the style was adapted to align with religious beliefs, transitioning from deity sanctuaries to fully-fledged Buddhist sites.