Prasat Ta Muan was built in the 11th century during the reigns of King Suryavarman I (1002-1050) and King Udayadityavarman II (1050-1066).
The architectural and decorative elements of the
temple's galleries and pediments confirm that it belongs to the Khleang and
Baphuon styles and is dedicated to Shiva.
Inside this temple is a linga of Shiva called a
"Svayambhuva Linga," which means "self-originating
linga." The Svayambhuva Linga was a very special site in ancient times,
and the Khmer people continue to hold this belief to this day.
According to an inscription from the reign of King
Suryavarman I, this temple site was an ashram in the pre-Angkorian period.
Another interesting feature is that the ground was not
leveled for construction. Instead, the temple was built directly on the
mountain rock, which was only roughly hewn. It is likely that the stone for the
temple was quarried from the site itself.
Regarding sculptures, we have not yet found any,
except for a natural sculpture in one of the rooms. This is a natural rock
formation that the ancient Khmers considered to be a linga.
It should be noted that there are two types of lingas.
A linga that is carved by humans and can be moved to be installed in a yoni is
called a "Sthapita Linga." As for a rock that is attached to the
ground and has a shape that can be considered a linga, it is called a
"Svayambhuva Linga," meaning a self-originating linga.
The worship of both types of lingas is the same, but
the Svayambhuva Linga here is connected to the outside of the temple grounds by
a stone channel or a conduit for holy water called a "Somasutra. " This
was arranged so that the holy water from the lustral ceremony on the linga
would flow out for devotees to collect and use for their own various beliefs.