Phra Prang Sam Yot – an ordinary ancient temple with unusual inhabitants (15 photos + 1 video)
The new inhabitants of this old temple Phra Prang Sam Yot in Thailand are not Buddhists or Hindus, but charming but specific animals.
Phra Prang Sam Yot is a 13th-century temple built by order of the Khmer ruler Jayavarman VII. It was originally used as a Buddhist temple, and the three towers were Hindu and symbolized the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
After Jayavarman's death, it was converted into a Shiva temple, and in the 1600s it became Buddhist again. All these changes are reflected in its multi-symbolic architecture. It remains one of the most popular tourist sites in the old town of Lopburi, but not because of its religious significance or cultural history. But because of its inhabitants.
The temple is literally overrun with macaques. Perhaps this happened because of the annual "Monkey Buffet" festival that takes place in the city, during which locals offer them fruits, vegetables and other delicacies. Now the monkey population numbers more than 2,000 individuals, and most of them live in the temple and feel at ease in relative isolation from people.
But living in close contact with people has led to the monkeys not being afraid to snatch treats and personal items from the hands of tourists. The aggression of some individuals has become so pronounced that local authorities have even introduced special positions. Employees responsible for the good mood of the monkeys must feed them at certain times during the day so that they do not bother tourists and do not terrorize them, allowing this place to preserve its original atmosphere.
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