Temples & Resort s in Cambodia

West Mebon

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:22:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Late 11th century AD
Religious Affiliation: Hinduism
Patron or King: Udayadityavarman VII
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Baphuon
Location: 12 kms west of Siem Reap Town
Duration of Visit: 1 hour plus transport
Time to Visit: Anytime.
Position:

Ruins of the central island temple of the West Baray. West Mebon is in poor shape, consisting primarily of a single wall displaying some carvings in fair condition. The carvings exhibit some of the first examples of carvings of animals in natural, non-mythological scenes, reminiscent of carving on Baphuon. West Mebon may have originally housed a renowned bronze Buddha statue which is now held at the National Museum in Phnom Penh. The West Baray, though ancient, is filled with water year round and has become a local recreational area. Take route #6 west from town. Turn right about 3 km past the airport turnoff. A short boat ride is necessary to visit the ruins.

Prasat Ta Som

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:21:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Late 12th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Buddhist
Patron or King: Jayavarman VII
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Bayon
Location: AAP/GC - Te most distant temple on the GC
Duration of Visit: 30-45 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime
Photography Notes: Tree tower outside east gate. Best in the morning.
Position: 13d27'52N 103d54'46E

Small, classic Bayon-style monastic complex consisting of a relatively flat enclosure, face tower gopuras and cruciform interior sanctuaries much like a miniature version of Ta Prohm. Many of the carvings are in good condition and display particularly fine execution for late 12th century works. Take note of the devata carvings which show an uncommon individuality. A huge tree grows from the top of the eastern gopura. It is destroying the gate but it is a photo classic. Best photographed in the afternoon. Ta Som is the most distant temple on the Grand Circuit.

Ta Prohm Kel

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:20:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Late 12th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Buddhist
Patron or King: Jayavarman VII
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Bayon
Location: AAP/PC - Opposite Angkor Wat.
Duration of Visit: 10 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime
Photography Notes:
Position:

A single small sandstone tower located opposite Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm Kel is the ruin of the temple or ‘chapel’ of one of the 102 hospitals built by Jayavarman VII throughout the kingdom. Of very similar design and state of ruin to the Chapel of the Hospital near Ta Keo. The Buddhist-themed carving on the northern pediment is in fair condition and displays marks of vandalism characteristic of the 13th century Hindu resurgence. The coarsely rendered carvings on the interior of the temple are probably from a much latter period.

Ta Prum Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:20:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Mid 12th - Early 13th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Buddhist |
Patron or King: Jayavarman VII
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Bayon
Location: AAP/PC
Duration of Visit: 45 minutes 1-1/2 hours
Time to Visit: Anytime. Less crowded in the early morning.
Position: 13d26'05N 103d53'20E

Of similar design to the later Jayavarman VII temples of Preah Khan and Banteay Kdei, this quiet, sprawling monastic complex is only partially cleared of jungle overgrowth. Intentionally left partially unrestored, massive fig and silk-cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors offering some of the best ‘tree-in-temple’ photo opportunities at Angkor. Flocks of noisy parrots flit from tree to tree adding to the jungle atmosphere. Ta Prohm is well worth an extended exploration of its dark corridors and open plazas. This temple was one of Jayavarman VII's first major temple projects. Ta Prohm was dedicated to his mother. (Preah Khan, built shortly after Ta Prohm in the same general style, was dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s father.) Ta Prohm was originally constructed as a Buddhist monastery and was enormously wealthy in its time, boasting of control over 3000 villages, thousands of support staff and vast stores of jewels and gold. Of the monastic complex style temples, Ta Prohm is a superior example and should be included in almost any temple itinerary.

Prasat Ta Nei

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:19:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Mid 12th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Buddhist
Patron or King: Jayavarman VII
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Bayon
Location: AAP
Duration of Visit: 20 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime.
Position: 13d27'09N 103d53'07E

Small (55m x 47m), semi-ruined, untouristed jungle temple reminiscent of Ta Som, and displaying classic Jayavarman VII artistry. Some of the apsara and lintel carvings are in pretty good condition. In much rougher shape than most of the temples on the main tour circuit. The primary road to Ta Nei from where it meets the Grand Circuit road near the southeast corner of Ta Keo was closed on last inspection. To get to Ta Nei, park at the end of the road near Ta Keo and walk the dirt road about 1km to Ta Nei, or by motorcycle, follow unmarked dirt road from just outside the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom to the 'French Dam.' Cross the dam and proceed 200m up a small path.

Prasat Ta Keo

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:18:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Late 10th - Early 11th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Hinduism
Patron or King: Jayavarman V
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Khleang
Location: AAP/PC
Duration of Visit: 30 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime
Photography Notes:
Position: 13d26'40N 103d52'55E

Towering but plainly decorated temple-mountain dedicated to Shiva. Known in its time as ‘the mountain with golden peaks.’ The first to be constructed wholly of sandstone, this temple employing huge sandstone blocks. Constructed under three kings, begun by Jayavarman V as his state-temple and continued under Jayaviravarman and Suryavarman I. When Jayavarman V first constructed Ta Keo, he part ways with previous kings, constructing his state temple outside of his main capital area. Construction on Ta Keo seems to have stopped particularly early in the decoration phase as evidenced by the lack of carvings. Ta Keo is well worth a visit, but if you are pressed for time, see Pre Rup instead.

Srah Srang

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:18:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Mid 10th and Late 12th century C.E
Religious Affiliation: Buddhist
Patron or King: Jayavarman VII
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Bayon
Location: AAP/PC - Eastern edge of the PC
Location of Entrance: West side
Duration of Visit: 10 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime, though early morning is particularly picturesque
Photography Notes: Best light in the morning hours
Position (west ghat): 13d25'49N 103d54'11E

Picturesque baray opposite the east entrance of Banteay Kdei. Originally constructed by the same architect that built Pre Rup. Remodeled in the 12th century as part of Jayavarman VII's massive building campaign. A multi-tiered landing platform on the west edge of the baray is adorned with naga balustrades and guardian lions. The very sparse remains of an island temple can be seen poking out of the middle of the lake during the dry season when the water is low. Srah Srang offers a pleasant, much less touristed sunrise alternative to Angkor Wat.

Preah Ko (in the Roluos Group)

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:17:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Late 9th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Hinduism
Patron or King: Indravarman II
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Preah Ko
Location: AAP - Roluos Group
Location of Entrance: East gate
Duration of Visit: 30 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime, but the morning might is the best for photography..
Photography Notes: Morning
Position: 13d20'38N 103d58'22E

Roluos Group. Six towers displaying set on a platform, all beautifully preserved carvings . Originally surrounded by walls and gopuras of which only vestiges remain. Preah Ko was one of the first major temples of the empire at the early Khmer capital of Hariharalaya. Preah Ko (Sacred Bull) derives its name from the statues of bulls at the front of the central towers.

Preah Khan Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:16:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Constructed: Late 12th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Buddhist
Patron or King: Jayavarman VII
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Bayon
Location: AAP/GC - Just north of Angkor Thom
Location of Entrance: Western causeway
Duration of Visit: 1 hour
Time to Visit: Anytime
Position: 13d27'42N 103d52'17E

Preah Khan is a huge, highly explorable monastic complex. Full of carvings, passages and photo opportunities. It originally served as a Buddhist monastery and school, engaging over 1000 monks. For a short period it was also the residence of King Jayavarman VII during the reconstruction of his permanent home in Angkor Thom. Preah Khan means 'sacred sword.’ In harmony with the architecturally similar Ta Prohm, which was dedicated to Jayavarman VII's mother, Preah Khan is dedicated to his father. Features of note: like most of Jayavarman VII's monuments, the Buddha images were vandalized in the later Hindu resurgence. Some Buddha carvings in the central corridor have been crudely carved over with Bodhisattvas, and in a couple of odd cases, a lotus flower and a linga. Also note the cylindrical columns on the building west of the main temple. It is one of the only examples of round columns and may be from a later period.

Pre Rum Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:16:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Late 10th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Hinduism
Patron or King: Rajendravarman II
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Pre Rup
Location: AAP/GC
Location of Entrance: East side
Duration of Visit: 30 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime
Photography Notes: Faces east
Position: 13d26'05N 103d55'13E

Architecturally and artistically superior temple-mountain. Beautifully carved false doors on upper level, as well as an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. Richly detailed, well-preserved carvings. Traditionally believed to be a funerary temple, but in fact the state temple of Rajendravarman II. Historically important in that it was the second temple built after the capital was returned to Angkor from Koh Ker after a period of political upheaval. The artistically similar East Mebon was the first to be constructed after the return to Angkor, less than a decade earlier.

Prasat Suor Prat

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:15:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Early 13th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Hinduism
Patron or King: Indravarman II
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Post-Bayon
Location: Central Angkor Thom
Duration of Visit: 15-30 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime, but the afternoon offers the best light.
Photography Notes: Afternoon
Position (first tower south of E/W road): 13d26'44N 103d51'37E

Twelve nearly identical laterite and sandstone towers that stand opposite and parallel to the Terrace of the Elephants. The artistic and architectural style of the towers is somewhat unique, defying easy classification and dating. Construction may have begun under Jayavarman VII, but the towers do not display the classic Bayon-style characteristics. It has been argued that they may be post-Bayon or perhaps much earlier, as early the 11th century. The original function of the towers is a matter of debate but in the 13th century classic, "Customs of Cambodia," Chinese emissary to Angkor, Zhou Daguan, gives a romantic but dubious first hand account of their function. He wrote that the towers were used to settle legal disputes and matters of criminal justice. The belligerent parties were kept in the towers for a few days. The one to emerge in ill health was declared the loser, guilty by divine decree. Best photographed in the late afternoon.

Prasat Prei

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:15:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Late 12th - Early 13th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Buddhist
Patron or King: Jayavarman VII
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Bayon
Location: AAP/GC - Near Neak Pean
Duration of Visit: 10 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime.
Photography Notes:
Position: 13d28'04N 103d53'42E

Small, untouristed temple ruins in a forest setting near Neak Pean. Remains of a gopura , the central tower and halls, and the vestiges of a library and surrounding wall. Some apsara and lintel carvings. A quiet, peaceful location..

Prasat Kravan

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:14:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Early 10th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Hinduism
Patron or King: Harshavarman I
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Bakheng
Location: AAP/PC
Duration of Visit: 30 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime, but the morning light is best for photography and provides the best light for viewing the interior carvings
Photography Notes: Morning.
Position: 13d25'10N 103d53'58E

East-facing brick towers containing unique bas-reliefs of Vishnu and Lakshmi rendered in brick - the only example of brick bas-reliefs in the Angkor area. Prasat Kravan was originally constructed by noblemen rather than a king and has a twin sister in Takeo Province south of Phnom Penh, Prasat Neang Khmau, which contained painting rather than bas-reliefs, some of which still survives. Prasat Kravan was reconstructed by archaeologists in the early 20th century. Look for modern replacement bricks labeled "CA.".

Prasat Bei

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:13:00 +0000

Date of Construction: 10th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Hinduism
Patron or King: Yasovarman I
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Bakheng
Location: AAP/PC - Near the South Gate of AT.
Duration of Visit: 10-15 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime, but the morning light is best for photography
Photography Notes: Morning (ruins face east)
Position: 13d25'34N 103d51'23E

A set of three brick towers between Baksei Chamkrong and the moat of Angkor Thom near the South Gate. The central prasat rises 10 meters. Construction was never completed. Some lintel carvings survive. Prasat Bei literally means 'towers three.' Best lighting in the morning.

Phnom Kulen

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:12:00 +0000

Localisation : 40 to 50 km to the North East of Siemreap
Style : Between Pre-angkorian and Angkorian Periods
Construction : Inauguration Founded in 802 – More than 400 years before Angkor Wat
Initiator : Jayavarman II, Founder of the Khmer Empire
Dedication : Creation of the cult of a god-king : Devaraja
Visit : 2 hours including 1 hour climbing to the site

• Phnom Kulen is a hoy mountain in Cambodia on which in 802, King Jayavarman II has been declared a god-king.
• An exquisite mountain region of waterfalls and riverbed carvings. Hundreds of images have been carved into the sandstone floors along a shady brook.
• The Khmer Rouge used the mountain as a final stronghold for two decades after losing power in 1979, so nothing is left from the temples which were built at the time of Javayarman II and successors..

Comments

• You will for sure enjoy the most beautiful section of the thousand lingas river cascades, where a majestic sunlit waterfall streams through dense jungle.
• I would like to organise there a pleasant recreation between the combined visits of Bantaey Srei and Bang Melea

Phnom Bakheng

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:12:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Late 9th - Early 10th century AD
Religious Affiliation: Hindu
Patron or King: Yasovarman I
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Bakheng
Location: AAP - PC near the South gate of Angkor Thom
Duration of Visit: 1 hour +
Time to Visit: Late afternoon for sunset, anytime
Photography Notes: Sunset over the Tonle Sap Lake. Angkor Wat temple set in the jungle about 1km away. For Angkor Wat bring a long lens (400mm)

The construction of this temple mountain on Phnom Bakheng (Bakheng Hill), the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area, marked the move of the capital of the Khmer empire from Roluos to Angkor in the late 9th century AD. It served as King Yasovarman I's state-temple at the center of his new capital city Yasodharapura. The foundation of Bakheng is carved from the existing rock edifice rather than the laterite and earthfill of most other temples. Bakheng's hilltop location makes it the most popular sunset location in the area, offering a view of the Tonle Sap Lake and a distant Angkor Wat in the jungle. (A good photo of Angkor Wat in the distance requires at least a 400mm lens.) The temple is usually overcrowded at sunset, sometimes even completely overrun by tourists. Due to overuse and damage, the main stairway up the mountain has been closed and an alternate path to the top has been opened. Elephant rides up and down the hill are also available from about 4:00PM till sunset. $15/person up the mountain. $10 per person down the mountain.

Phimeanakas

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:11:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Late 10th - Early 11th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Hinduism
Patron or King: Jayavarman V
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Kleang
Location: Central Angkor Thom
Duration of Visit: 15-30 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime
Light on face in morning hours
Position:13d26'44N 103d51'21E

Impressive laterite and sandstone pyramid. The lack of surviving carvings leaves it artistically uninteresting, but it is the tallest scalable temple in Angkor Thom, providing a nice view from the top. The western staircase (at the back) is the most easily ascended. Located inside the ancient Royal Palace compound, Phimeanakas served as the king’s temple. Legend has it that the golden tower crowned the temple and was inhabited by a serpent, which would transform into a woman. The kings of Angkor were required to make love with the serpent every night, lest disaster befall him or the kingdom.

Prasat Neak Pean

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:11:00 +0000

ate of Construction: Late 12th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Buddhist
Patron or King: Jayavarman VII
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Bayon
Location: AAP/GC
Location of Entrance: Road from north
Duration of Visit: 30-45 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime
Best in west season when the reflecting pools are full.
Position: 13d27'47N 103d53'40E

A small island temple located in the middle of the last baray (the Preah Khan Baray or Jayatataka) to be constructed by a Khmer king in the Angkor area. The central temple sits at the axis of a cross or lotus pattern of eight pools. Originally known as Rajasri, Neak Pean took its modern appellation, which means ‘coiled serpents,’ from the encoiled nagas that encircled the temple. The temple is faced by a statue of the horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors. Though originally dedicated to Buddha, Neak Pean contains several Hindu images. Neak Pean may have served an absolution function, and the waters were thought to have healing properties. During the dry season when the water is low, check out the animal and human headwater spouts at the outside center of each pool. Neak Pean is most photogenic in the wet season when the pools are full.

Lolei (in the Roluos Group)

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:10:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Late 9th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Hinduism
Patron or King: Yasovarman I
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Preah Ko/Bakheng
Location: AAP - Roluos Group
Location of Entrance:
Duration of Visit: 30 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime.
Position: 13d21'09N 103d58'25E

Roluos Group: Ruins of an island-temple built in the middle of a now dry baray, Indratataka, the first large-scale baray constructed by a Khmer king. Lolei consists of four brick towers on a double laterite platform. It was the last major temple built at Roluos before Yasovarman I moved the capital to the Angkor area. Though the towers are in poor condition, there are some lintel carvings in very good condition displaying the distinctively detailed Preah Ko style. An active pagoda has been built amongst the ruins. Of the Roluos Group ruins, allocate the least time Lolei.

Kutisvara

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:09:00 +0000

Date of Construction: 9th / 10th century AD
Religious Affiliation: Hindu
Patron or King: Jayavarman II
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Preah Ko, Pre Rup
Location: AAP - Just off the PC near Banteay Kdei.
Duration of Visit: 15 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime

Three prasats in a severe state of ruin with some come carvings still visible. Kutisvara is historically significant in that it was mentioned in an inscription in connection with the 9th century during the reign of Jayavarman II, the founder of the Angkor Empire. This is one of the earliest reference to an Angkor area temple. The central tower displays Preah Ko style. The outer towers are in Pre Rup style. Not many tourists visit this temple and some of the drivers don't know it. Just point it out on the map. It's a bit off the main road back amongst some rice paddies. During the wet season when the paddies are full, motos can't get all the way to the temple, requiring a short but potentially wet walk from the road to the temple.

Krol Ko

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:08:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Late 12th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Buddhist
Patron or King: Jayavarman VII
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Bayon
Location: AAP/GC - Near Neak Pean
Location of Entrance: Road from south
Duration of Visit: 15 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime. Combine with visit to Neak Pean
Position: 13d28'06N 103d53'43E

A small temple with a single central tower surrounded by two laterite walls. Pediments displaying the most interesting carvings at the site are on the ground along the enclosure wall. Krol Ko is comparatively untouristed, offering a peaceful respite.

Khleangs (North and South)

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:08:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Late 10th - Early 11th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Hinduism
Patron or King: Jayavarman V
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Khleang
Location: Central Angkor Thom
Duration of Visit: 10 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime.
Photography Notes:
Position (North): 13d26'50N 103d51'38E
Position (South): 13d26'40N 103d51'38E

Rectangular sandstone buildings set opposite the Terrace of Elephants, behind the Prasat Suor Prat. ‘Kleang’ means ‘storeroom’ but it is unlikely that this was its actual function. A royal oath of allegiance carved into the doorway indicates that they may have served as reception areas or even housing for visiting noblemen and ambassadors. The North Kleang was built in wood under Rajendravarman II and then rebuilt in stone by Jayavarman V, probably before the construction of the South Kleang. It also contains the best preserved carvings. The South Kleang was never completed. The Kleangs are unremarkable upon close inspection but picturesque from a distance, standing among the Prasat Suor Prat. Best photographed in the afternoon.

Kbal Spean

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:05:00 +0000

Date of Construction: 11th - 13th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Hindu and Buddhist
Patron or King:
Artistic/Archeo. Style:
Location: 49km north of Siem Reap
Location of Entrance:
Duration of Visit: 30 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime. Kbal Spean closes at 3PM
Photography Notes:
Position:

A river of 1000 lingas’ is at Phnom Kulen. There are also carvings of Buddha and Buddhist images in the rock that date from a later period than the lingas. Entrance to the area closes at 3:00PM. Combine with a visit to Banteay Srey and allow a half-day for the two. Take the road straight past Banteay Srey about 12km. Look for the sign and parking area on the left side. Requires a moderately easy 45-minute uphill walk though the woods.

East Mebon Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:05:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Late 10th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Hinduism
Patron or King: Rajendravarman II
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Pre Rup
Location: AAP/GC
Location of Entrance: Western gate
Duration of Visit: 45 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime
Photography Notes: Temple faces east
Position: 13d26'47N 103d55'11E

East Mebon is a large temple-mountain-like ruin, rising three levels and crowned by five towers. Jayavarman IV, a usurper to the throne, moved the capital from Angkor to Koh Ker in 928AD. Sixteen years later Rajendravarman II returned the capital to Angkor and shortly thereafter constructed East Mebon on an island in the middle of the now dry Eastern Baray. The temple is dedicated to Shiva in honor of the king’s parents. Inscriptions indicate that it was also built to help reestablish the continuity of kingship at Angkor in light of the interruption that occurred when the seat of power had been moved to Koh Ker. There seems to be some scholarly debate as to whether East Mebon should be categorized as a temple-mountain. Inscriptions record activity at the temple as early as 947AD, but East Mebon was not consecrated until 952AD.

Chau Say Tevoda Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Koh Santepheap Daily) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:04:00 +0000

Date of Construction: Early 12th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Hinduism
Patron or King: Suryavarman II
Artistic/Archeo. Style: Angkor Wat
Location: AAP/PC
Duration of Visit: 15 minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime
Position: 13d26'43N 103d52'38E

Chau Say Tevoda is a small temple of similar design and floor plan to that of Thommanon located across the street (except for additional gopuras and library), but for years appeared as Thommanon’s neglected sister, languishing in significantly worse condition than Thommanon, which had been restored back in the 1960s. Chau Say Tevoda is now undergoing an extensive restoration project, for the moment allowing the visitor a close up look at the restoration process. The small section of the temple pictured to the left is currently in the process of being reconstructed. Chau Say Tevoda seems to stand in partnership with Thommanon, but in fact was built much later in Suryavarman II’s rule. Chau Say Tevoda displays some well-executed carvings that are in still fair condition, especially those on the eastern gopura. Though most carvings are Hindu-themed, there are also some Buddhist-themed reliefs. The eastern walkway from the temple leads to the Siem Reap River a few hundred meters away..