PRASAT BANTEAY PIR CHOAN

This temple opens towards Prasat Thom deviating from the usual temple orientation to the east. It therefore becomes significant as the direction of this Brahma temple is aligned to the main Shiva temple in order to enhance the religious value the site. The temple adds value to the site as significant inscriptions found in the temple; elaborate on the works of Jayavarman IV, the process of construction of temple, and several donations that are made to its maintenance. Built in 937 C.E., it is the only marker temple which was built in later years of Jayavarman IV's reign. Its unique architectural feature is also a false storey superstruc- ture, with a vault and a vertical drum. The temple dedicated to Prajapa- tishvara or Brahma, comprises of the central tower, surrounded by eight brick buildings. Lintels of one of these towers show carvings depicting a horse-headed human body, a rare depiction of a Hindu god Hayagriva, holding the hair buns of two demonic characters, Madhu and Kaitabha. The southern one is decorated with bas-reliefs show casing God Yama mounted on a buffalo and the northern one depicts lord Kubera. Similar reliefs are later seen at Prasat Banteay Srei and Prasat Vat Phou in Laos.