Ankor Wat Driver: Angkor Watt Tour with a Guide and driver in Siem Reap

ANGKOR WAT Temple

2010-02-10T22:57:00.000-08:00

ANGKOR WAT “The temple in mini tours”
Location: 6.5 kilometers north of Siem Reap and South of Angkor Tom.
Access: Enter and leave the temple from the west entrance.
Date: First half of the 12th century (A.D 1113-1150) the estimated time for the construction of the temple is 37 years.
King: Suryavarman 2 (Paramavishnuloka).
Religion: Hinduism (Vishnu).
Art-style: Angkor Wat.
-Restoration by Mr. Jean Commaille (1908-1911) & Mr. Henri Marchal (1932-1935) and Indian Team (1986-1993).
-Number of the workers (385-635) and the sculptors (6.465) and the dancers (1.622) and the elephants (40.000) and the bamboo rafts (700) and the stone (estimation) (3000.000.000 tones) and the Apsaras (1.850) with 36 hairstyles.
1, Background
Angkor Wat the largest monument of Angkor Group and the best preserved is an architectural masterpiece. It has perfection in composition balance proportions and Bas-reliefs and sculpture can make it on of the 7 finest wonders in the world the first one was.
* Pyramid (Egypt) the mausoleum of the king (Egypt-keh-oab, Kah-chrea, Mehn-koarah) was located in the city (Kehr).
* Hanging Garden Babylon (Greece) was built by the king (Nebuchadnezzar) for his wife.
* Statue of God Zeus (Greece) at the Mountain-Oalangpichea) “made of gold and the elephant tusk” which was built by an ancient sculptor (Phidias).
* Anthemia temple (Greece) in Ephèse city).
* Coffin of the king Mausolée at Halicarnasse and built in the reign of the queen (Ahntehmees) for her husband king Mausolée. Today it is in the British musem.
* Le Colosse De Rhodes (God) “315 meters high made of copper” (in Rome at Rhodes city).
*Light House (Egypt) Was at Ahlehcsohngdhry harbor. All the above finest mounting of the word are in the poor condition except the Pyramid and Hanging Garden Babylon which remained intact. So thy decided to make a new classification of the marvels in the world as following.
*Pyramid (Egypt) Babylon (Greece) Great Wall of China Eiffel Tower (France) Museum for storing the dead of king (Napoleon, France) Leaning Tower Pisze (Italy) and Angkor Wat is in Cambodia. Will! The word (Wat) is the Cambodian name for the temple or monastery which was probably added to Angkor when it becomes (Theravada Buddhist Monument) most likely in the 16th century for the etymology of the name Angkor. After the year1432 when the capital moved to Phnom Penh Angkor was cared by the Buddhist monks for sometime and then left for 200 years from A.D 1664-1864. Angkor was the mausoleum of the king Suryavarman 2and it formerly oriented to the west side to conform the symbolism between the sunset and death. The Bas-reliefs designed for viewing from the left to the right in the order of Hindu funeral ritual support this function. The plan of Angkor Wat is difficult to walk through because of the vastness. Its complexity beauty both attract and distract one’s attention Angkor Wat originally stood on a high base with 3 rectangular levels. The first level is (187meters wide 215 meters long) surrounded by sandstone galleries contained the Bas-reliefs like (Ramayana Mahabharata and Historic war). The second level is (100 meters wide by 115 meters long) and surrounded by sandstone galleries without Bas-reliefs that used as a long hall for meditation by high priests. The third level is (60 meters for each side) supported the 5 towers. 4 towers are at the corners and one tower is in the center. It is the most prominent architectural feature of Angkor Wat. The arrangement is called a quincunx towers. All the 5 towers had a conical shape and ner the top like rows of lotus buds.
2, Symbolism
Angkor Wat is a miniature replica of the universe in stone and represents an earthly model of the cosmic world. The central tower appears from the center of the monument symbolizing the mythical (Mountain Meru) that situated at the center of the universe. It 5 towers correspond to the peaks of Mountain-Meru. The outer wall (800 meters wide by 1025 meters long) that corresponds to the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat symbolized the cosmic oceans.
3, Layout
Angkor Wat occupied a rectangular area of about 195 hectares (1.3 kilometers wide by 1.5kiloteters long) for the whole area. The temple was surrounded by a strong laterite-wall (800 meters wide by 1025 meters long) with 4 gates and encircled an area of about 82 hectares. The first evidence of the site is a moat (Pohkohrony) (190 meters wide and 3 meters in depth) and a vast rectangular around the temple with a perimeter of about (5.5kilometers) with a long causeway (12 meters wide by 225 meters long and 7 meters high) crossing the moat and serving as the main entrance to the temple. This causeway restored in 1960 by the French Team. In front of the causeway we can see a long covered gallery (235 meters) that known as the majestic gallery of Angkor Wat with square columns and a curved roof that extends along the moat from the left to the right with 5 passages but 3 passages are in the center for the king and High mandarins and the other 2 passages on each end of the gallery that may have served as the passages for the elephants and horse-carts as they are on the ground level. Well! In the 3 main passages each one of which had standing statue of (God Vishnu) with 8 arms but the one in the south passages was beheaded on 25th of January 1985. Continued westward we can see the second causeway (9 meters wide by 350 meters long and 1.5 meters high) was formerly bordered by a long sandstone handrail in the form of Naga banisters that divide into 6 pairs of staircases. Looking west we can see the celebrated view of the 3 towers of Angkor Wat that appear on the flag. On the both sides of the second causeway we can see 2 buildings that called libraries which are in the shape of across and also symmetrical in plan. Not far from the libraries there are 2 basins (50 meters wide by 60 meters long and 2 meters in depth) but one basin on the left is always with water whereas another on the right is usually dried in the dry season. At the end of the causeway which was originally bordered by a raised sandstone terrace in the shape of across known as (The Terrace of Honor) where the king viewed the processions and received foreign dignitaries or used as (The Landing Stage) for performing (The Theatre or The Royal Opera Apsaras dancing) but it’s still known on today for (The Ramayana Festival) From the top of the terrace we can see a fine view of the gallery on the first level known as the Gallery of the Bas-reliefs which (125 meters wide by 187 meters long) was formerly covered by vaulted sandstone roof that might have been supported by the sandstone pillars. The unit providing a link between the first level and the second level is the cross-shaped galleries. The unique architectural design consists of 2 covered galleries in the shape of across with square columns and a courtyard divided into 4 equal parts with paved basins and the steps that were used for storing the rain water but it is not used any more today. Some of the pillars had inscriptions written in Sanskrit and Khmer. On either sides of the courtyard there are 2 libraries of similar from but bigger than the first 2 libraries along the west causeway. The Gallery of 1.000 Buddha on the right once contained many statues of Buddha but dating from the period when Angkor Wat become a large Buddhist temple. In front of the gallery of 1.000 Buddha on the southwest that tells of Japanese man (Oa-kah-you-oa-mah-tahk) worte the poems on (30th of April 1932). The gallery on the left is (The Hall of Echoes). The second level (100 meters wide by 115 meters long) is solid not decorated probably to create an environment for meditation by the priests and the king or used as a long hall for storing the statues of god’s kings or legendary personages. Angkor Wat had 1.850 Apsaras (female dancing) stood on the wall of the gallery offering endless visual and spiritual enchantment. There graceful and beautiful female dancers delight all the visitors. They were created by (The Churning the Ocean of Milk). When we walk closer and look carefully we see that every one of the celestial nymphs is different. The third level was (60 meters for each side and 13 meters high) and formerly allowed the high priests and the king. It was the base of the 5 towers one of which contained the most sacred image of the temple. The central tower contained the statue of (God Vishnu) and was walled up for sometime during the middle 15th century and at a later date the south door was opened by Mr. Jean Commaille in 1908 and Mr. George Trouvé excavated the central tower in 1934 below the surface about 23 meters depth and found around gold-leaf with diameter of 0.18 meter its weight 650 grams and then fulfilled it up. There are 12 stairways with 37 steps 3 stairways on each of the 4 sides of the base. All the stairways are really steep with narrow steps and worn out. Except one stairway on the west side in the center is slightly less steep than the stairways. The third level its space’s divided into across-shaped area defined with the covered galleries and 4 paved courts balustrades on the outer side which surround the third level.
4, Central Tower
The main tower appears on a tiered base 40-42 meters high above the upper level. The highest of the 5 towers it is equal in height to (The Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris). It sheltered the sacred image of the temple. It originally had 4 porches which opening to the 4 cardinal directions.
5, Gallery of Bas-relief
(Helen Churchill Candee 1920) wrote the Bas-reliefs surrounding the first level contained 1.200 square meters of sandstone carvings. The Bas-reliefs covered the most of the inner wall of all 4 sides of the gallery and extend for 2 meters high from the top to the bottom. The Bas-reliefs are divided into 8sections 2 sections are on each of the 4 sides of the stone gallery. Each section depicted a specific theme. There were 2 pavilions at the corners of the west gallery which have the variety of scenes. The composition of the Bas-relies can be divided into 2 types.
-Scene without any attempt to contain or separate the contents.
-Scene contained in panels which are something superimposed on another. This type is probably carved later. The panels that run horizontally along the wall and generally consisted of 2 or 3 parts. Sometimes the borders at the top and the bottom are also decorated. Themes for the Bas-reliefs derived from 2 main sources.
-Indian Epics and Sacred books and warfare of Angkor Period. Well! The word (Bas) means “low or shallow” and relies to the degree of projection of the carvings.
1, West Gallery (south part – 50 meters long)
Many of the Bas-reliefs shine with almost glasses like smoothness many pilgrims who are rubbing their hands ran over the Bas-reliefs. This battle scene is the main subject of the Hundu Epic (Mahabharata). It recalls the historic war in (Kurukshetra) a province in India and depicts the battle between rival enemies who are cousins (Kauravas & Pandavas). It took time for 18 days. The general of Kauravas is Bishma (nearly 100years old) one of the heroes of the Mahabharata pierced with arrows was dying and his men surrounded him. The armies of (Kauravas & Pandavas) marched from the opposite ends towards the center of the gallery where they meet in combat. The scene begins with infantry marching into the battlefield and jesters playing a rhythmic cadence. The battlefield is the scene of deadly and bloody combat and many dead soldiers. High-ranking officers and generals are represented in a larger size in chariots or on the elephants and horses in order to oversee the battle. God Vishnu intervenes in
his incarnation as the four-armed (Krishna) as the charioteer of (Arjuna) who was the general of (Pandavas) army. A final victory of good (Pandavas) is over evil (Kauravas).
-Southwest Pavilion The Bas-reliefs in this corner pavilion depicted scenes from the life of Krishna (Mahabharata) & Indian Epics (Ramajana).
-East Part (Left hand side). The water festival 2 ships with decoration and in the sky we can see the flying Apsara and some chess players on the ship. And on the right we see the cock fight that is still popular in Cambodia today. (Center above the door) we see Vishnu receiving some offerings from his devotees. (Right hand side) God Siva is meditating on the top of the mountain among his devotees and in the grotto we see some hermits are in meditation and some wild animals lived on the mountain. This part is badly eroded.
-West Part (Left hand side) Siva with his wife (Parvati) on “Mountain Kailasa” and below them we can also see a strange character is the demon (Ravana) trying to shake the mountain. (Center above the door) Being a small boy Krishna was naughty teased his companions but he protected them was attached at first to a tree as a punishment from his adoptive mother (Yasoda). He uprooted the tree that god incarnated. (Right hand side) Ravana disguised the form of a lizard sitting of the door-frame of Indra’s palace in order to depeat the on-off key spelled by Indra when he left for meditation. When Ravana presented himself into the palace had a sex with (Bhagavahti) Indra’s wife. She surprised by disguised Indra but she got no idea. Finally she realized and killed herself for humiliation.
-North Part (Left hand side) Scene of Vishnu legend the Churning the Ocean of Milk in order to extract Amrita (Liquor of immortality). We can also see the gods and the demons hold a snake (Vasuki) and the upper part (the Sun and the Moon). (Center above the door) Rama is the seventh incarnation of (Vishnu) killed (Maharica) who transformed as a golden stag in order to let Ravana abducts Sita. (Right hand side) Krisha accompanied by his older brother (Balarama) who lifts the Mountain Govardhana to shelter the shepherds and the herds from the storm ignited by the anger of god Indra.
-South Part (Left hand side) “Ramayana Story” the fight between 2 enemy brothers Valin & Sugriva who later became on of Rama’s followers and was instructed to fight against his brother. At first attempt Valin won the battle and Sugriva was defeated. To recover his shamefulness he sought help from Rama who accepted his request without delay and told Sugriva to put on any dress that would distinguish from the former. In the second fight Vilin gained the upper hand captured him as the former was ready to cut off the head of Sugriva Rama was intervening in the struggle sent off his magic arrow and killed Vialin. Why did they kill each other? Well! The story goes on as follow Valin monkey-king ruled the contry with his younger brother Sugriva. One day Valin met Tupi (the water buffalo son of Mahisaso). The fight was going on and on neither side neither won nor lost. Then they settled to fight in a cave where Valin told Sugriva to block up the entrance where he saw the red blood (Valin’s blood) blasting out. Well! Unfortunately when the struggle was going on it rained so heavily that Sugriva mistook Tupi’s blood (dark-red) which can dilute with rain becoming red and immediately killed his brother Valin with not controlling temper and did not know the fact hit Sugriva with one of his shoes that brought him on to be upset. And below Valin died in his wife’s arms (Tara) with 3 pointed headdress. (Center above the door) depicted (Vishnu) in the deep forest amongst the animals. (Right hand side0 Siva made his meditation on the peak of the mountain called (Himalayas) with his wife’s (Parvati) on his side was attempted to disturb by (Kamadeva) “god of love” who shot one of his flowery arrows into Siva’s heart. A moment later he is angry and shooting a fire-ray from his frontal eye reducing Kamadeva to be ashes. Sowe can see his dead in his wife’s arms (Rati).
2, South Gallery (west part, 94 meters long, The army of king Suryavarman 2)
This gallery depicted a splendid triumphal procession from a battlefield between the Khmer and their enemy (Joun dhayveit) in the year 1150 and it also shows Khmer history. At the beginning of the gallery we can see king Suryavarman 2 sits on a lower throne and next to him is his high mandarin named ( Krivadhana) and the royal fortune-teller. King Suryavarman 2 was under the posthumous name (Paramavishnuloka) and also tell the royal procession on the mountain called (Shivapada) and the royal generals are riding on the elephants their ranks were recognized by the number of parasols.
Theose generals are:
Preah-komdheng-agne-sri-vara-singha-varman. P-k Dhonjaya.
Preah-komdheng-agne- kak-molak-sri. P-k-kunna-kustah-kahvandh.
P-k sri-jayondhra-varman. P-k-sri-verayndhra-dhipahdhay-varman.
P-k-srivireak-yudhea-varman. p-k-sri-jaya-yudhea-varman.
P-k-sri-phakhe-phaktindhra-varman. P-k-sri-ronak-varman.
P-k-sri-rajashinha-varman. P-k-sri-varendhra-dhipahdhay-varman.
P-k-sri-narak-bha-kindhra-varman. P-k-sri-surya-varman.
P-k-sri-parama-vishnuloka Suryavarman 2. P-k-sri-tahk-molahk-sri-vahdhahnahk.
P-k-sri-rajendra-varman. The high priests procession. Preah-pleong(god of fier).
P-k-sri-maha-sehnah-dhipahdhay-sri-varehndra-varman.
P-k-sri-shinha-vara-varman. P-k-sri-jaya-shinha-varman.
Pahmahgne-chehng-chahlahk, (Thai leader). he had joined the khmer procession.
-The End of the Gallery: The military procession resumes with a troop of Thai soldiers (pleated skirts with floral pattern belts with long pendants) plaited hair headdresses with plumes and short moustaches led by their commanders are on the elephants. They were probably either mercenaries or a contingent from (Louvo) tosay it is called (Lopburi province) conscripted to the Khmer army. A small inscription under the Thai leader was chiseled off in nthe year 1982.
3,South Gallery (east Part) (66 meters long)
(Judgment by god Yama) “Hell, Earth, heaven”
It felt down in1947 was restored by Frenchman (Jacques Lagisquet 1935-1936 and Henri Marchal 1916-1933) in the years 1950 with a khmer site director (Ith Svay) It had 3 tiers recounted the judgment of mankind by god Yama 3 tiers depicted (The Hell, Earth, Haven). The inscription identified (37 heavens and 32 hells) with scenes of tortures. Further a head we see god Yama (supreme judge) with 18 arms carried the holy sticks pointed out to his assistants (Dharma & Shitragupta) who are snatching those who had committed sin to take the punishment. The upper tier could represent the Heaven and the middle tier is Earth and the lower one is Hell. Yama was sitting on the water buffalo and ordered his 2 assistants to send those who committed the offense to punishment. There is a variety of the punishment such as. The glutton was cut his teeth. Those who debased the virtue or good deed of the other had his bone broken. The rice-thief was afflicted at the belly with barbecued rod. Those who abducted or raped or married his teacher’s wife had to climb a tree of thorn. Those who plucked or picked the flowers in the garden of god Siva had his head nailed. And the torture into the sewage. Torture by tongue with red pincers. Torture by suspension. Torture by dropping in to the caldron water. Some were iron-shackles and arm-cuffs. Some imps were hog-tied. The mid-wife aborted the offspring that they had to be chocked.
4, East Gallery (south part) (50 meters long)
“The Churning The Ocean of Milk”
The Bas relief of this gallery is famous and depicts (The Indian Epics) “Bagavata Pourana”. The gods and demons churned the ocean to generate Amrita (The elixir of life). The Purpose of the churning of the Ocean of Milk is to recover lost treasures such: (The flower: The elephant with 3-heads calls “Airavana” The colt Üchaya-shravah” Lakshmi: Apsara: Amrita). Those objects can symbolize the prosperity. The churning the Ocean of Milk took time during the second incarnation of (Vishnu) (Kuma) as a tortoise. The gallery divided into 3 tiers as:
-The flower Tier: Shos various aquatic animals real and mythical were snapped up and torn up to many pieces by the turbulent waves of the churning and was bordered by the serpent (Vasuki) lied on the bed of the ocean.
-The middle Tier: identifies a row of 92 demons (with round bulging eyes) at the head of the snake and 88 gods (with sharp eyes) at the tail. The demons and gods directed by 3 persons identified by bigger size.
-Upper Tier: reveals the flying Apsara. The demons and gods work together to churn the Ocean of Milk by a large cord in the form of the body of the serpent (Vasuki) acts as a stirring instrument to churn the Ocean.
(The Mountain-Mandara) with was used as a pivot for the churning. The churning The Ocean of the Milk took time for over 1000 years: Mountain-Mandara had sunk down: god (Vishnu) was the referee in the form of human being under the name of (Caturbhyja) with 4 arms: immediately transformed into a tortoise (Kuma) offered the back of his shell as a base to support it so that they can complete the struggle. Indra is on the top of the mountain in order to hold it. At the tail of the serpent we see (Chumpuieno: monkey-king) who tickles the serpent.
The churning provokes the serpent to vomit the mortal venom (Hala-hala): which covers the waves of the ocean. It may destroy the gods and the demons: god Brahma intervenes and requests god Siva to devour and drink the venom: which burns and turns Siva’s throat green that he could be called (Nilakantha). Finally Asuras attempted Amrita, but god Vishnu discovered and appeared in the form of a fish (Matya) a bewitching girl to deceive the Asuras for gods. Rahu: disguised and joined the gods so that to have a drink: but unfortunately: he was seen by (Surya & Chandra) who informed Vishnu. Without delay he threw his disk that cut off Rahu’s head. That’s why Rahu has to bear malic with Surya and Chandra forever and ever. At the both ends of the gallery the troop. attendant. elephants and horses of the participants were already.
5, Inscription
There is an interesting inscription of the early 18th century when Angkor became a Buddhist Monastery. It tells of a provincial governor who built a small tomb of laterite where he deposited the bone of his wife and children. The structure is in poor condition but recognizable in its original location directly in front of the inscription.
6, East Gallery (north part) “52 meters long”
(Victory of Vishnu over the demons)
It depicted the victory of god Vishnu over the demons. This gallery was probably completely carved at a later date perhaps 15th century or 16th century in 1546-1566 in the reign of king Ang Chhanraja1 (1516-1566). There was another king (Samdech-angah-rahks-varman-rajadhiraja-rama-dhipahdhay-varman) that could order another king (Preah-mahithea-raja) who was the royal sculptor to carve the 2 galleries (East & North). This gallery is not a good workmanship.
The scene beings with the army of demons marched towards the center of the gallery. At the center: god Vishnu with 4 arms sits on the shoulders of Garuda. It’s a scene of carnage follows: god Vishnu slaughters the enemies on the both sides and disperses them. The leaders of the demons mounted on the animals or rode in chariots drawn by horses or the griffins (Gajashimha) and surrounded by their soldiers.
7, North Gallery (east part) “66 meters long”
(The victory of Krishna over the demon king: Bana)It depicted the victory of Krishna eighth incarnation of god Vishnu over the demon king (Bana) (capital-Sonitapura). It derived from a religious scripture Hiravamsa. At the beginning of the gallery Vishnu is in his incarnation as Krishna on Garuda (divine vulture): the has 8 arms with multiple heads and flanked by 2 heroes whose one of them is (Balarama) older brother of Krishna holding a plow as his weapon and others is his son (Pradymna). Garuda is extinguishing the fire set by the enemies in order to protect their town: and behind it we see Agni (god of fire): sitting on the rhinoceros (Asia book) but reverence (Bhang Kaht) said that is the demon king is on a rhinoceros. In the middle part we see Bana: with multiple arms: comes from the opposite direction and is riding in the chariot drawn by lions. Extreme right: Krishna with (1.000 heads and arms) across his chest: kneels in front of Siva who sits on the mountain Kailasa with his wife Parvati and their sons (Ganesa and Skanda) and also god Brahma demanding to leave Bana survive. Siva: said ehh! Krishna: you are very powerful of all living creatures in the world: I try to spare the life of Bana: what I mentioned is really true. Krishna: replied with his soft-spoken word: please you can let Bana wins because you demand to leave Bana survive: I am better than Bana: I agreed with what you had mentioned.
8, North Gallery (West Part) “94 meters long”
(The battle between the gods & the demons)
Mr. George Soedés considers this gallery depicted (21 Brahmanism gods) marched in procession and carrying traditional attributes and riding on their own vehicles. The gods identified by the conical headdresses and the demons by the crested headdresses. The names of the main gods are (Kubera) “god of wealth” with bows and arrows: sits on the shoulders of the demon: (Skanda) ”god of war” with multiple heads and arms: sits on a peacock. (Indra): “god of cloud” is standing on the eplephant (Airavana): (Vishnu) with 4 arms sits on Garuda: Asura (Kalamani) with multiple head shaking a sword: (Yama) “god of death of justice” carries a sword and a shield sits in a chariot drawn by water buffalo: (Siva) carries a bow and he stands on his bull: “Nandin”: (Brahma) “god of the creator” on the sacred swan: (Surya) “god of sun” is riding in a chariot pulled by horses: (Varuna) “god of the rain” stands on a Naga with 5 heads.
1, Northwest Pavilion
The Bas relies in this pavilion depicts scenes from the life of Krishna Vishnu and the Indian Epic (Ramayana).
2, East Part
- Left hand side (south): Depicted Vishnu reincarnated as the four-armed Krishna sits on Garuda with his wife (Sahtyahbahma) returned from a successful campaign at (The Mountain Maniparvarta) where he took from the demon (Naraka).
His army: attendants carry the spoils of the demon.
-Center above the door: It is an interview of Rama: Lakshmana with monkey-king called (Sugriva) on the mountain (Himalayas) but by Mr. George Soedés said that it is (Komarmohaparvata) in order to win the support of the monkey-king.
-Right hand side (north): god Vishnu reclines on the snake Anata: which is floating on the cosmic water: but at the upper part of whose body and head are missing. We can see Vishnu and at the upper part: we se Apsaras carry the flowers glide around him. In The lower Part: we see a group of 10 gods had come to ask for the new universe and paid homage to him: those gods are: Chandra (god of moon) is riding in a chariot drawn by horses: Surya (god of sun) he rides in a good chariot drawn by horses and the god Kubera (god of walth) on the demon: Brahma (god of creator) on sacred gooes: and Skada (god of war) is on a peacock: (Agni of Varuna: Vayu) on horse: Indra (god of cloud) on an elephant with 3 heads (Airavana): and Yama (god of the death or justice) on a water buffalo and god Siva (god of the estroyer) on a bull (Nandin) and the last god is (Niruth or Kethu) (god of bad deed) on a lion.
3, West Part
-Left hand side: Sita Rama’s wife was in the arm of Ravana in (Asoka) forest. She was surrounded by female demons with long beaks. One day Hanuman (monkey-god) visited her and told her about the idea of Rama: in the near future: she will be liberated from Sri-lanka to Ayodhya. The she gave Hanuman a ring: that would prove to Rama the success.
-Center above the door: Depicted Rama in the midst of the monkeys: flanked by Lakshmana: in order to take (Vibhisana demon-king): who betrayed his older brother: so that to join the army of Rama.
-Right hand side: The return of Rma in the chariot that used to transport to Ayodhaya after his victory. That chariot which fully and magnificently decorated drawn by the sacred swans: had been Kubera property and was stolen by Ravanna.
-In The Lower Part: Depicted the monkeys accompany the chariot and also show the monkeys merriment.
4, North Part
-Left hand side: A scene from the Ramayana: torture of Sita wife of Rama when he doubts Sita’s fidelity on her return from Sri-lanka: she submits herself to trial by fire in order to indicate her fidelity to Rama: when she was in the arm of Ravana at Sri-lanka: but finally she was unharmed because she could keep her fidelity to Rama.
-Center above the door: Rama: and Lakshmana attacked a demon (Viradha): who attempted to kidnap Sita.
-Right hand side: depicted the woment’s quarters of a palace.
5, South Part
-Left hand side: A scene at the court if king (Janaka) and the test of archery of which Rama is in the middle and become succeeded. On his right sits king Janaka and priest with coiled hair: in front of Rama: Sita (was the daughter of king Janaka) at one side: beautifully dressed: with her hair in 3 braids forming a coronet on her head and surrounded by her entourages.
-At The Center: shows Rama’s victory that is releasing the arrow on to a goal (a bird is perching on a wheel).
-Center above the door: Rama and Lakshmana fight against a demon called (Kambhanda) whose body is simple but had a gigantic head.
-Right hand side: god Vishnu with 4 arms who is receiving the homage paid by the flying Apsaras.
6, West Gallery (North Part) (52 meters long)
(Battle of Sri-lanka)
This scene: from Ramayana: is a long fierce struggle between (Rama and Ravana) who had 10 heads and 20 arms. The battle takes place in Sri-lanka and the end with the defeat of Ravana: who kidnapped Sita as a hostage. The central figures are the monkey warriors who fight against the demons on the Rama’s side. The brutality of war is juxtaposed with graceful rendition of the monkeys.
-Central Part: (Rama) was standing on the shoulders of (Hanuman or Sugriva) and surrounded by hail of arrows of the enemy: Lakshmana and Vibhisana both are standing quietly. The demon king Ravana with multiple arms and heads is in a richly decorated chariot drawn by griffins. Hanuman tries to tear out the tusks of an elephant with 3 pointed headdresses: and Nila is buttressing on the heads of 2 lions. Finally Rama gained the battle and Ravana was defeated (lost the war).
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

BAYON Temple

2010-02-10T22:47:00.001-08:00

BAYON “The temple in mini tours”

(Yasokiri) “Honorary Mountain”

Location: Bayon formerly located in enter of Angkor Tom 1500 meters from the south gate.

Access: Enter and leave the temple from the south, north and east entrances.

Date: Late 12^th century to the early 13^th century (1200).

King: Jayavarman 7^th (Mahaparamesangata).

Religion: Buddhism.

Art-style: Bayon.

-Clearance work by Mr. Jean Commaille (1908-1916).

-Restoration by Mr. George Trouvé (1933-1935).

1, Background

Bayon was the favorite temple of the visitors and located in the center of Angkor Tom dating from the reign of king Jayavarman 7^th (1181-1201) but Asia Book (1190-1210). He came to the power after the previous capital was burned by Cham fleet in the year (1177-1181) for 4 years he had first built Bayon temple in the center of Angkor Tom and then built a numerous temples like 102 hospitals 121 rest-homes including water-wells and bonfire and after built a series of outer wall around the city but not built around Bayon. It was a strong construction inlaterite 8 meters high and 12 kilometers in length. Bayon was connected with the city of (Yasodharapuara) dated from 9^th century. Bayon was formerly built on the foundation of an earlier temple but unknown but some structures were enlarged especially the first level and the second level. Bayon was a Buddhist temple but the idea of the (God-King) had lost its meaning. Bayon was dedicating to the Bodhosattva-Avalokitesvara. It was built nearly 100 years after Angkor wat. Bayon was represented to the (Mountain-Meru). It had 54 towers included 5 gate of Angkor Tom each one of which had 4 faces making a total of 216 faces of Bodhisattva-Avalokitesvara which watched out towards all the points of spaces. The temple stood on a high base with 3 levels surrounded by 2 galleries of Bas-reliefs. The first level is (140meters wide by 160 meters long) and its gallery of Bas-reliefs concerning with worshippers of Buddhism. It depicted a teaching vehicle to disseminate the tenets of Buddhism. The gallery was probably covered by the timber-roof but today nothing left. The temple had 2 libraries and one on each side near the corners at the east side of the first level. The second level is (70 meters wide by 80 meters long) with Bas-reliefs depicted the mythical story or Hindu inspiration. The third level comprised 25 meters in diameters and as a base of the main tower (45 or 47 meters high) and it was surrounded by 16 rooms for meditation by the priests or king said (Mr. Paul Muss) Bayon temple was of the kingdom but (Mr. George Soedès) said all the towers are portraits of sovereign the 4 faces of each tower that represented to the 4 Nobel-truth like (Charity Compassion. Sympathy and Equanimity) or the sight of omnipresence and the whole temple is a miniature of the (Khmer Empire). In the central tower they found Royal statue Buddha-King was name (Jaya-pudh-maha-neach) during excavation of 4 meters deep in the year 1933 by Mr. George Trouvé found it broken but would be restored. Then it was delivered to (His Majesty King Sisowath Monivong) the king Cambodia on 17^th of May 1935. By his order it has been kept under a small shelter with timber roof on the right hand side to the east gate of Angkor Tom (victorious gate).

2, the First Level or the First Gallery

*East Gallery (South Part): The workmanship of the Bas-reliefs in the gallery is excellent. It was divided into 3 rows and depicted a military procession with banners and the natural scene (trees animals). The warriors with lances shield are mostly short haircut and some with headdresses suggesting they are Chinese troop. Group of jesters accompany the army in order to encourage the army cavalries are riding on horse. The commanders of the troops are riding in Chariot drawn by horses on the elephants. On the top row we see king Jayavarman 7^th identified by numerous umbrellas riding on an enormous horse flanked by his cavalries and at the back we see a group of palace-women follow the king and a queen is in a rich-decorated sedan chair. On the first row we see the covered-wooden carts of the same style as used today which carry the provisions of food for the military. A crouching woman blows a fire for the cooking-pot. And next a cart was out of order. At the end of this gallery we see the military had attached the water buffalo and knocked down the tree to sacrifice to the god in order to please him and demand for safety and for victory in fighting. A tiered wooden building with people suggests either a shop or a restaurant. The headdresses the clothing and objects hanging from the ceiling suggest that the people inside the building are Chinese.

*Southeast Corner-Pavilion: The carving in this area was not finished. The scenes include a wooden palace with 2 levels. A statue of Buddha has been altered to represent a Liga after the temple became Hinduism under the later king.

*South Gallery (East Part): This gallery depicted the navel-battle in the year 1177 between the Khmers and the Chams their neighboring enemies from southeast Vietnam. Khmers soldiers without headdresses but Chams fleet with headdresses resembled and inverted lotus. The prows are richly decorated with rowers and the warriors carried lances and some snapped by crocodiles.

-On the lower part: Shows us the scenes of daily life a long the shores of Tonlé Sap lake (opening fire hunting attached by wild animals a lady is removing lice and others are playing with their children). Next a queen in a palace and another is in her labor which is a scene of childbirth assisted by a mid-wife in the maternity at the end we see a hunter is ready to kill a water buffalo by pulling his crossbow Market scene rooster fight surrounded by the gamblers fishmongers.

-The upper Part: The fishermen took the boats were dropping their fishing-net into the water chess-players wrestlers’ wild-boar fight. The king getting the possession of his palace by the ritual ceremony of crowning at the end of the gallery we can see the pig slaughter-house the slaughterer puts a pig into the caldron-water women cooked the fomented rice-noodles the carpenters cut the wood to carry the stone black-smith pounds iron.

*The Second Part of the South Gallery (West part)

Depicted a military procession and the main point of interest is weapon of war used by the Khmers soldiers such as a large crossbow slingshot lance and shield. The commanders rode on the elephants flanked by their cavalry infantry and archery. Some parts of the upper row of the gallery are probably incomplete.

-West Gallery (South Part): Depicted the warriors and their chiefs were riding on elephants pass through the mountains and the forests At the Center there is a priest tries to escape from the attack of a tiger by climbing a tree Upper Part depicted the method used for the constructing temples such as grinding polishing sandstone.

*The Second Part of the West Gallery (North Part)

The scene with crowds of men and women are threatening others armed and ready for battle. An inscription which engraved under a shrimp say (The king follows those vanquished in hiding). Beyond The Door: Depicted the king who was carrying a royal bow on the way to the mountain and forest where he will meditate before celebrating the consecration of the (Sacred Rite of Indra).

-North Gallery (west Part): In the first part of this gallery only the lower part of the wall has Bas-reliefs and some of them are incomplete. The first row depicted the circus-jugglers acrobats and wrestlers’ horse racing forming a public merriment (Said, Mr. George Soedès). The king presides over the scene of daily life. An animated procession of various animals (Rhinoceros rabbit deer lobster…) is notable. At the end of the gallery we see the priests meditate in the forest and on the bank of the river here is a group of women receive gifts.

*The Second Part of the North Gallery (East Part)

The whole wall of this gallery is almost fallen to pieces except 2 ends where we can find the same enemies. They are Chams coming from the west but the Khmers try to escape from being killed or captured and rushing to the mountain without opposing against them.

-Northeast Pavilion: Depicted the scenes of procession of the Khmer-warriors on the elephants without any interest. In this pavilion we see a beautiful-circular pedestal from the 10^th century.

-East Gallery (North Part: Depicted the battle between the Khmers & Chams continued and at the center of the gallery we see the battle reaches a climax of action the elephants seem to be participating in the battle. An elephant tries to curl his trunk and tries to tear out the tusk of an opposing elephant. At the end of the fight the Khmers gained control of the battle.

*The Second Level or the Second Gallery

-East Gallery (South Part):

1, (Between 2 towers) on the right depicted the priests and animals in the forest and mountain. 2, (small room on the right-hand side) it depicted the king in this palace with hermits.

3, Upper Part Scene of rural hunting with lively animals. The Apsaras are flying in the sky.

-Lower Gallery: Depicted a military procession this carving has a strange feature of the Khmers and Chams A man who stands on the elephant preceded by a coffer (box).

-Southeast Corner-pavilion: Depicted the warriors march in procession led by their commander who rides on the elephant.

*South Gallery (East Part)

1, This gallery depicted a military procession and the warriors. Some scenes depicted every-day life. A man climbs a coconut palm Garuda and the giant fish at the base of the Mountain Meru where the priests and animals lived and also depicted a fight between 2 high-ranking officers.

2, (Small room) A fight between a ruler and animal possibly a lion. On the left hand side a hunter holds an elephant by the hind-leg (back-leg).

3, (Between 2 towers on the left wall) A procession of warriors. From the left to the right a scene of combat between a prince and his army and a scene of a palace and a procession of musicians. Lower tier a fisherman is in a boat throws his fishing-net into the water while a price watches the action. The Apsaras are flying over the head.

4, (Between 2 towers from right is in poor condition). Facing a god standing on a lotus flower that introduces the legends of god (Pra-dym-na) son of Krishna hurled into the sea by the demon (Cambara). The Child was snapped by a fish and caught later in a net of a fisherman and he offered into Cambana. Well! In cutting the cook found Pra-dym-na in another name (Kama) “god of love”. A maidservant of Cambara (Mayavati) is incarnation of (Rati) spouse of Kama who emerged from the hideout and killed Cambara (Mr. George Soedès). Left hand side god Siva is Carrying a trident. And Upper-part we see Apsaras dance accompanied by an orchestra.

5, (Small room from right hand side at the bottom) Depicted a scene of every-say lift. Upper-part god (Vishnu) with 4 arms was walking towards god (Siva) who carrying a trident.

-The Second Part of the South Gallery (West Part)

Depicted a mountain with wild animals and a tiger devouring a man princesses walking amidst a group of Apsaras dancing on the lotus flower. Upper-part god Siva in his celestial palace surrounded by his devotees. And there are hermits animals along the river. A tiger followed a priest and the other devotees conversed in the palace several worshippers prostrated before the god. The Central part god Vishnu with 4 arms is standing near a pool and surrounded by flying Apsaras pay tribute to him.

*West Gallery (south Part)

1, On the right hand side. The ladies in the palace the hall is empty. God Vishnu with 4 arms is holding his attributes standing on the Garuda and subduing and army of Asuras who tried to harass the people (Mr. George Soedès).

2, (Small room) Depicted a palace with Apsaras dancing accompanied by an orchestra. And the Upper-part mentioned about the dancers and battle.

3, (Between 2 towers on the right-hand side) Depicted god Vishnu with 4 arms superimposed on the scenes of the construction of the temple-workers pulling a block of stone polishing stone hoisting blocks of sand stone into place 2 people are plying chess in a boat and a cockfight. Left-hand side god Siva in a palace with god Vishnu on his right-hand side and the priests meditating in the grotto and swimming amongst the lotus flowers and a bird holds a fish in its mouth.

4, (Beyond the Center of the West Gallery) The procession of the warriors on the horse back with 2 rulers sitting in the chariots pulled by horses.

5, (Small room from the right-hand side) A palace scene with people who are conversing and all the dressmakers are dressing the young princesses.

*The Second Part of the West Gallery (North Part)

It depicted (The Churning the Ocean of Milk) between the demons and the gods. The demons hold the body of the snake on the side of the head the gods on the side of the tail and a monkey-god called (Chum-pu-pieno) tickled the snake. At the Center god (Vishnu) with 4 arms was a referee over it and the mountain Mandara used as a pivot a turtle (Kuma) as a base for the mountain the snake (Vasuki) used as a large rope to stir the water. The Upper-part we see (The Sun and the moon) and other gods on the birds wanted to pacify the fight.

-Northwest Pavilion: In this pavilion depicted the procession of the warriors their commanders are on the elephants.

-North Gallery (west Part)

1, Depicted the scene of the palace. A procession of the servants with offering to the mountain where inhabited by the wild animals elephants rhinoceros serpents. One boat carried the men with short-cropped hair and a chief with a trident and another boat carried men with headdresses of an inverted lotus-flower.

2, (Small room) Depicted god Siva with 10 arms dancing to the tune of (Tandavas) (the rhythm of the Universe) with Apsaras are flying in the sky. God Vishnu (on the right-hand side) and god Brahma with 4 faces (on the left-hand side) with “Ganesa” (on the right-hand side) and “Rahu” [On The Side of the Wall god Siva site between 2 gods (Vishnu & Brahma) and the upper part is concerning with a wild boar].

3, (between 2 towers).On the right-hand side god Siva is surrounded by hermits and women and the sacred bull (Nandin). [Facing the hermits meditated on the mountain]. Kama (god of love) shoots an arrow at Siva who is meditating on the top of the mountain (Kailasa) with his wife (Parvati).

4, (Between 2 towers).From the right-hand side god Siva on the bull (Nandin) with his wife (Uma) who sitting on his lap and next we see king of (Naga) with multiple heads.

-Lower Part Apsaras are dancing and also depicted the episode of the Indian (The Mahabharata Story) is concerning with god (Siva & Arjuna). Siva disguised as (Kirata) in order to kill a wild boar that is a manifestation of the demon (Raksasakmuka). Each claimed that he had killed it Siva made him realize and he submitted and then Siva gave (Arjuna) a lance called (pasupata) “George Soedès”. On the left of door depicted (Ravana) shakes (The Mountain Kailasa).

-The Second Part of the North Gallery (East Part)

The attendants are bringing the offering and we see the figures of god Vishnu and Lakshni and god Siva who blessing his devotees. *Upper part Apsaras flying in the sky. A king led a procession followed by his army with short-cropped hair and the musicians’ horses. *Next part Are the princesses in the sedan chairs and a cart yoked by the bulls. The king is standing in his chariot with 6 wheels on coming out of his palace.

-Northeast Corner-Pavilion

Depicted a military procession into the battlefield in order fight against their enemy.

-East Gallery (North Part)

Depicted a military procession with musicians infantries flaked by horsemen and a chariot yoked by horses another chariot with 6 wheels drawn by the sacred geese they celebrated (The Ark of the Sacred Fire) next we see an empty throne and the king was carrying a bow and rode on the elephant follow by 2 other chiefs.

1, (Small room after the door) Depicted a king implored (to ask for) (God Siva) the favor before going into the battlefield. Next we see 2 boats surrounded by fish in pond. The Apsaras as birds are flying in the sky.

2, (Between 2 towers) depicted the legend of (The Leper-King) by Mr. Victor Goloubew said (A king is in his palace near to his spouses and servants and dancers. He fought against the snake. The snake vomited his mortal venom on the king and he contracted leprosy. The king sits in his palace and gives royal orders to his servants who descend the steps to consult a hermit-doctor in the forest. The king lies on the floor at the side of the hermit-dortor.

(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

ANGKOR TOM "CITY"

2010-02-10T22:44:00.001-08:00

ANGKOR TOM CITY

Location: 1.700 meters north of Angkor wat.

Access: Enter and leave the city from the south, north and victorious gates.

Date: End of the 12^th century (1200).

King: Jayavarman 7

Religion: Buddhism

Art-style: Bayon.

-Clearance: by Mr. Henri Marchal (1916-1933)

1, Background

The town of “Angkor tom” as we visit today it is not the first capital of the ancient Cambodia in this same place. The first Angkor was founded by the king yasovarman 1. This prince began his reign in the capital of his father Indravarman 1 (877-889) near (Rolous) he had abandoned this capital order to build his own capital called (Yasodharapura) on the top of Phnom Bakheng Hill this city which became (the first Capital of Angkor). So Angkor Tom was the last capital of the Khmer Empire and used as a fortified city surrounded by a strong laterite-wall (8 meters high and 3 kilometers for each side) was built in its present from by Angkor greatest builder king Jayavarman 7 ( 1181-1219). He came to power just after the disastrous sacking by the Cham fleet in the year 1177 of the previous Khmer capital (Yasodharapura). Angkor Tom which may have had 1,000,000 populations priests officials’ military and common people were living in thatched or tiled hoses at one point was enclosed by a square wall (Jayakiri) (Victorious)mountain) 8 meters high by 3 kilometers for each side 12 kilometers in length. The moat (Jayasonthu) is 100 meters wide and encircles the entire area. The city had 5 monumental gates south gate north gate west gate and two gates in the east side but the north and south ones’ which were restored by Mr. Maurice Glaize (1944-1946). The gate which is 3.5 meters wide by 23 meters high and decorated on either side of the passage ways with stone elephant trunks gathered the lotuses and crowned by 4 gargantuan sculpted faces 3 meters high of the (Bodhisattva-Avalokitesvara) represented to the sublime or divine state of mind as are (Charity, Compassion, Sympathy and Equanimity) or represented to the 4 cardinal directions. In front of each gate there are 54 statues of the gods on the right hand side and 54 statues of the demons on the left hand side of the causeway. It was taken from the Indian story called “The Churning the Ocean of Milk”.

2, Symbolism

The wall enclosed the city that re presents the stonewall surrounds the universe and the mountain ranges around “The Mountain Meru”. The moat symbolizes the cosmic ocean.

3, Layout

The city of Angkor Tom consist a square wall each side of which is 3 kilometers. A laterite wall is 8 meters high and surrounds the city and encloses an area of about 900 hectares “2.225 acres”. An earth embankment is 25 meters wide that supported the inner side of the wall and serves as a broad road around the city.

(Writing by kealy e-mail:kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Phnom Kulen "Mountain"

2010-02-10T21:20:00.001-08:00

Phnom Kulen is considered by Khmers to be the most sacred mountain in Cambodia and is a popular place of pilgrimage during weekends and festivals. It played a significant role in the history of the Khmer empire, as it was from here in 802 that Jayavarman 2 proclaimed independence from Java, giving birth to modern-day Cambodia. There is a small wat at the summit of the mountain , which houses a large Buddha carved into the sandstone boulder upon which it is built. Nearby is a large waterfall and above it are smaller bathing area and number of carvings in the riverbed, including numerous linga. The bad news is that a private businessman bulldozed a road up here in 1999 and now charges a US$20 toll per foreign visitor, an outrageous fee compared with what you get for your money at Angkor. None of the toll goes towards preserving the site. You can buy a cheaper ticket for US$12 from the city Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap, surprise, surprise, owned by same businessman!. The new road winds its way through some spectacular jungle scenery, emerging on the plateau after 20km ascent. The road eventually splits, the left fork leading to the picnic spot, waterfalls and ruins of a 9th century temple, the right fork continuing over a bridge and some riverbed carvings to the reclining Buddha. This the focal point of a pilgrimage here for Khmer people, so it is important to take off your shoes and any head covering before climbing the stairs to the sanctuary. The views from the 487m peak are tremendous, as you can see right across the forested plateau. The waterfall is a an attractive spot, but could be much more beautiful were it not for all the litter left here by families picnicking at the weekend. Near the top of the waterfall is a jungle-clad temple known as Prasat Krau Romeas, dating from the 9th century.There are plenty of other Angkorian sites on Phnom Kulen, including as many as 20 minor temples a round the plateau, the most important of which is Prasat Rong Chen, the first pyramid or temple-mountain to constructed in the Angkor area. Most impressive of all are the giant stone animals or guardians of the mountain, know as Sra Damrei ( Ele-phant Pond).These are very difficult to get to, with the route passing through mined sections of the mountain and the trail impossible in the wet season. The few people who make it, however, are rewarded with a life-size replica of a stone elephant – a full 4am long and 3m tall –and smaller statues of lions, a frog and a cow. These were constructed on the southern face of the mountain and from here there are spectacular are views across the plains below below. Getting here requires taking a moto from Wat Pre Ang Thom for a bout 12km on very rough trails through thick forest before arriving at a sheer rock face. From here it is a lkm walk to the animals through the forest. Don’t try to find it on your own; expect to pay the moto driver a bout US$6 ( with some hard negotiating) and carry plenty of water, as none is available. Before the construction of the private road up Phnom Kulen, visitors had to scale the mountain and then walk a cross the the top of the plateau to the reclining Buddha. This route takes more than two hours and is still an option. About 15km east of the new road up kulen, the trail winds its way to a small pagoda called Wat Chou, set into the cliff face from which a tuk chou (spring) emerges. The water is considered holy and Khmers like to bottle it up to take home with them. This water source eventually flows into the Tonlé Sap lake and is thought to bless the waterways of Cambodia. Phnom Kulen mountain is a huge plateau around 50km from Siem Reap and about 15km from Banteay Srei. To get here on the new toll road, take the well-signposted right fork just before Banteay Srei village and follow this, going straight ahead at the crossroad. Just before the road start to climb the mountain, there is a barrier and it is here that the US$20 charge is levied. To walk to the site, head east a long the base of the mountain at the major crossroads .After about 15km, there is a wat-style gate on the left and a sandy trail.Follow this to a small community from where the climb begins. It is about a 2km climb, including a new staircase up the final cliffs, and then an hour or more in a westerly direction a long the top the plateau. This route of the pilgrims of old should cost nothing if you arrive after midday, although it takes considerably longer.Moto drivers are likely to want about US$15 to bring you out here, and rented cars will hit passengers with a surcharge, more than double the going rate for Angkor; forget coming by remorque as hill climb is just too tough .(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Bueng Melea Temple

2010-02-10T21:18:00.002-08:00

Location: North of Siem Reap city around 72 kilometers to there. Date: Early 11th century.
King: Suryavarman 2nd.
Religion: Hinduism.
Art-style: Angkor wat
Beng Melea in Siem Reap is that exotic spot in this capital of Siem Reap province, without visiting which Sightseeing in Siem Reap will be an incomplete affair. Making a prominent place in Siem Reap Tourist Attractions in Cambodia, Beng Melea in Siem Reap is the site of a crumbling façade of stones of an undiscovered jungle temple. Being one of the largest ensembles in the Angkor region, the unique beauty of the Beng Melea seems to be born out of the timeless victory of verdant nature over man-made aspirations. Kids will love to see it and be immediately drawn by the treasure-hunt-like feeling the site evokes. Beng Melea in Siem Reap is 72 kilometers east of Siem Reap and that’s why often requires a day’s trip. The trip is arranged with a stop at the Roluos Group and another at Dom Dek, a local market that's worth a stop. The road becomes a dusty and bumpy one after you take north at the town after crossing the Roluos group till which the road is paved and smooth. At the entry point the temple has three gallery walls. It is believed that the Angkor Wat's builder, Suryavarman supposedly put the Sanskrit inscription on the temple up in the 12th century. Enter just to the right of this focal entrance and eye at the relief images of the god of fire over the first door as you move toward the veranda by the first ramp. After this you will find an image of a three-headed elephant born of the mythical churning of the ocean of milk, according to the Hindu creation legend. From here, move on to the temple center. Enjoy clambering and rock hopping while moving towards the dark gallery. Apart from this beautiful piece of construction, Tourist Attractions in Siem Reap will give elaborate information about Bayon Temple in Siem Reap, Terrace of the Leper King in Siem Reap, Terrace of the Elephants in Siem Reap and Aki Ra's Landmine Museum in Siem Reap. Remark: The (work with me here) was a personal comment by the author. You should have been able to distinguish it, when you copied that portion from the website. Derived from the merciless struggle of nature against the stones-is copied content. Please avoid such direct copies. (Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Kbal Spean "Mountain"

2010-02-10T21:18:00.001-08:00

Location: North of Siem Reap city around 53 kilometers to there.
Date: Early 11th century.
Religion: Hinduism & Buddhist.
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 3:00 pm. Combine with a visit to Banteay Srey and allow a half-day for the two. Take the road straight past Banteay Srey about 14 kilometers. Look for the sign and parking area on the left side. Requires a moderately easy 0.50/hour up-hill walk though the woods.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Ban Teay Sam Ré Temple

2010-02-10T21:16:00.000-08:00

"The Citadel of the Samre"
Location: East of the East Baray about 400 meters.
Access: Enter and leave it from the north entrance.
Date: Middle of the 12th century (1150-1175).
King: Suryavarman 2nd (Paramavishnuloka).
Religion: Hinduism dedicated to “Vishnu”
Art-style: Angkor Wat
-Clearance work by (Mr. Henri Marchal 1930.
-Restoration by Mr. Maurice Glaize 1936-1944.
1, Background
The Banteay samré it about 20 kilometers from Siem Reap Province. Samré is the aboriginal people coming from the union between (Indonesians and Veddists Tribes).They notably settled near the foot of (Phnom Kulen) and they considered the people of (Preah Dak) as their descendants. Even the temple has its own legend talking about the gaining throne by a poor farmer of (Samré Origin).
*Legend of Samré Origin: He was called (Pou) an expert in growing sweet cucumber. Paying homage to the king who he took his crop to the palace as present. In return the king who was too much satisfied with this unprecedented taste of this offering ordered Pou to kill any one either man or animal who entered his field without permission. During the rainy season the cucumber grew less. The king who had known its taste and impatiently centered the field alone not in the daytime but at night and was killed by the farmer’s lance as the thief and buried on that spot. The king had no lawful successor and all the mandarins of the country agreed to choose a new successor. The selection resorted to the divine intervening and so Elephant of Victory had to point out the new king stopped in front of that farmer’s house of sweet cucumber man. And the elephant bowed and knelt down. Becoming a king he fetched his predecessor from where he had buried for cremation. The ceremony took place at Mébon temple and then at Pré Rup temple. Knowing the fact all mandarins became humiliated just because they were governed by a Samré who was considered as an uncivilized origin. They showed their opposition to the king. The king who knew he had no possibility to calm down all his mandarins and he fled the palace and he settled court at distance form the city at (Banteay Samré). He also ordered the Royal sculptors to make a special statue of tortoise and then he brought it by himself to show his mandarins who were going on worshipping the king’s attributes and ancient statue of the former king instead of his power. One day he exasperated and decided to punish those who intended to humiliate the king by beheading them. Ever since his reign was going on calmly.
2, Layout
The plan of Banteay Samré is nearly square and surrounded by 2 laterite-walls each one of which has 4 gates. The first wallis (77 meters wide by 83 meters long) covered by timber-roof and had 4 gates. In front of the temple at the east there was a long dramatic laterite-causeway
(200 meters long) flanked by decorative sandstone-markers and it was probably covered by timber-roof but nowadays northing left. There a variety of scenes from the Indain story (Ramayana) on the first wall.
*East Gate
-East pediment: It depicted a scene of Buddha (Bayon Style 12th century and 13th century).
*West Gate
-west gate: pediment: It depicted a wild fighting of monkeys with the demons.
-East pediment: it depicted Vishnu tore a part 2 demons by grasping their hair.
-Half-right pediment: Vishnu with 4 arms stood on lion and Sknada (god of war) with 10 arms stood on peacock and god Yama stood on a water buffalo.
*North Gate
-North pediment: It depicted a scene of Ramayana story between Rama &Rvana.
-South pediment: It depicted (Ramayana) that talks about (Rama, Hanuman, Lakshmana and Angota).
*South Gate
-North pediment: It depicted the bridge construction of the monkeys.
-Half-right pediment: It said about god Vihnu who holds demon’shair.
-South pediment: Hanuman carried the mountain (Kailasa) where they hoped there were magic plants which would cure Lakshmana wounded by Indrajit’s arrow. In the courtyard there was a paved laterite-moat but now it dries up. Next to the moat is the second wall (38 meters wide by 44 meters long) which had 4 cross-shaped entry gate and 4 pavilions. The priests and used this wall as the gallery for meditation.
1, East Gate
-South lintel: It depicted an Indian episode (Mahadharata story) it concerns Krihna who tears out a snake (Kaliya) into 2 pieces.
-South pediment: It talked about (The Churning the Ocean of Milk).
-Middle pediment: Depicted god Siva dancing under the name (Nataraja).
- North pediment: Depicted god Vishnu was riding on the Garuda (divine vulture).
Inner Part
-West pediment: God Vishnu under the name (Thrivikrama) in gaining the world for the gods in his 3 steps.
-North pediment: It depicted Krishna who was lifting mountain (Govardhana).
-South pediment: Indra (god of rain water cloud) was attached by demon.
*West Gate
-East pediment: It shows us about a relationship of (Surya and Chhandra).
-West pediment: It concerned alignment of the gods who were riding on their strange vehicles.
*North Gate
-South pediment: Agroup of Apsaras dancing in keeping the rhythm of the harp in order to pay homage to the god Siva & Uma on Nandin (sacred bull).
*South Gate
All the pediments and lintels of this gate we see nothing because of the poor conditioned state. In the courtyard of this wall there is another moat which paved in laterite and there are 2 libraries which opening to the west side.
-North Library: On the west pediment that depicted the birth of god Brahma on a lotus whose stalk is out of Vishnu’s navel who sleeping on Ananta serpent.
-South Library: They carvings of the lintels and the pediments are damaged.
3, Central tower
The main tower was made of sandstone and stood on a low base which had 4 stairways. The tower formerly opened to the east side which connected a long hall and the other 3 side were used as false-doors covered by their porches with double-pediments. The tower which is (3 meters for each side) and the total height are 21 meters and on the top carved with a lotus-shape. Inside the tower they excavated and found 2 male statue beautiful dress in a sitting posture and inside the long hall we see a stone coffin Mr.George Soedès sid.(Writing by kealy e-mail:kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Ban Teay Srei Temple

2010-02-10T21:15:00.000-08:00

(The citadel of the women) “Iscara.pura”
Location: 25 kilometers (15.0miles) northeast Angkor Thom (Bayon).
Access: Enter and leave it from the east entrance.
Date: Second half of the 10th century (967).
King: During the reign of Rejendravarman 2nd (944-968) “Sivaloka”with a priest Yajnavaraha & Jayavarman 5th (968-1001) “Paramasivaloka” with a priest (Vishnukoma).
Religion: Hinduism “dedicated to Siva”.
Art-style: Banteay Srei.
-Clearance work by Mr. Henri Parmentier & Vitor Goloubew in the year (1924).
-Restoration by Mr. Henri Marchal (1931-1936).
-Mr. André Malrau (Frenchman) stole some pieces of the sandstone carvings on (December 1923).
-A lieutenant Marec discovered it in 1914 “Frenchman” when geographical service was done.
1, Background
The enchanting temple of Banteay Srei is nearly everyone’s favorite temple. The special charm of the small temple lies in its remarkable state of preservation and excellence is of decoration. The unanimous opinion among the Frenchman (Maurice Glaize) archaeologist who worked at Angkor mentioned that Banteay Srei is “The Precious Stone or the jewel of Khmer-art” Banteay Srei was built by a high priest (Yajnavaraha) and his brother (Vishnukoma) on (April or May 967) the last year of the reign of Rajendravarman 2nd and the beginning of the reign of his son Jayavarman 5th that was informed by the inscription that engraved in 968. They found it at the temple in the year 1936. The inscription also said about a Linga in the main tower (Sri-tribhuvanamahesvara) and another Linga in the south tower and an image of the god (Vishnu) in the north tower. Banteay Srei was a short temple which had 3 towers stood on side-by-side on a low common platform 1 meter high and opening to the east and the other 3 sides were false-doors. The Main Tower was 9.80 meters high stored the statue of god (Siva & Uma) and The North Tower was 8.35 meters high kept the statue of the god (Vishnu) and South Tower was 8.35 meters high that stored a Linga 3 walls enclosed this temple. Well! Now we all enter the temple from the east entrance and walk through the cross-shaped laterite gate its pediment depicted Indra (god of the sky rain cloud) was riding on an elephant with 3 head. After we walk though this entry gates we can see sandstone pillars on its both side formerly decoration a long dramatic laterite causeway. On the both side of this causeway there are 2 laterite-galleries the pillars made of sandstone and the roof made of timber but today nothing left. Behind the galleries to the south there are 3 long parallel but halls which were used as long halls for meditation. A pediment on the central hall depicted (Siva & Uma) was riding on a bull (Nandin). On the north side of the galleries there is a single hall with a superb pediment depicted the god (Vishnu) in his incarnation as the man-lion (Narashimha) that tearing the demon king (Hiranyakshakashipu) who dared to compare to the god. At the end of the causeway on the right hand side we see a pediment lying on the ground in front of the east gate of first wall depicted the Indian story (Ramayana) when Sita wife of Rama was kidnapped by Ravana (demon king). The first wall is (95 meters wide by 115 meters long) which had 2 entry gates (east & west) but the east gate we see the inscription dating from the year 968.The west pediment of this gate told the story of (Tilottama Apsara) was created by god in order to discord 2 brothers (Sanda & Upsanda) formidable Asuras who sowed harm in the universe and also mentioned the 2 brothers caught one Apsara and each claimed that she was his it is the (Mahabharata Story). And it was taken to (Guimet Museum in Pars). In the courtyard there is a moat is always with water. The second laterite-wall is (38 meters wide by 42 meters or 45 meters long) with 2 entry gates. The east entry gate is in the shape of across with 3 passages supported by splendid pillars has 2 porches and the rectangular pediment that would recall the construction in wood which are framed by large terminal scrolls. The pediments are in the same type which is found at Koh Ker 10th century and Preah Viher 11th century in the north of Cambodia. The inner pediment of this gate also depicted (Shri) wife of (Vishnu) sat on a lotus flower between 2 elephants with raised trunks sprinkling holy water on her. In the courtyard of the second wall we can see 6laterite-halls 2 halls are on the east side and 2 on the west side and the other 2 one on the north and south they were covered by timber roof (nothing left) and may have served as rest house. Next to this wall we can see the statue of Nandin (sacred bull) crouching in front of the east gate of the brick wall which is (24 meters for each side) with 2 entry gates. The east pediment of the east gate depicted (Siva) dancing under the name (Nataraja) and on the side of Siva we can see a skinny woman called (Karikalamaya). The lintel below it also shows the incarnation of god Vishnu (Kalkin man-horse) prostrated 2 demons. The west pediment of the same gate talking about the goddess (Durga) with 8 arms aided by her lion who fights against a buffalo-monster (Mahing-Asura-madini) that is loked up by a snake. And the lintel below depicted the man-lion (Narashimha) who fights against the demons.
2, Central Group
In the courtyard of the brick wall we can see 2 libraries (left and right) which opening to the west.
*Left Library “South Library”
-East pediment: Depicted Ravana with multiple arms and heads that try to shake the mountain (Kailasa) that is represented by a pyramid on a background of the stylized forest Siva sits on his throne at the summit of the mountain when his wife Parvati cuddles up to him. Ravana wants to distract Siva’s meditation and shakes it with all his might. The creatures & hermits and animals that live on the forests or mountains express their terror and flee the jungle. On the first step the monkey raises his hand perhaps to warn Ravana one day the monkeys will destroy him. At the summit Siva prepares to bring the whole weight of the mountain up on Ravana with his toe. The mountain falls on Ravana and crushes him under its mass Ravana acknowledges Siva’s power and sings his praises for 1000 years. As a reward god Siva sets him free and gives him a sacred sword (Ramayana Story).
-West pediment: Depicted Siva on the top of Himalayas Mountain meditating and living the life of an ascetic Parvati tries to distract Siva but she fails and is disappointed that he doesn’t notice her. The god ask (Kamadeva god of love) to assist Parvati and help her distract Siva’s meditation. Kamadeva shoots one of his flowery arrows into Siva’s heart. Later he is angry and shoots a fiery ray from his frontal eye reducing Kamadeva to be ashes. A group of ascetics below Siva and guardians with human-bodies and animal-heads come to complete the scene.
*Right Library “North Library”
-East pediment: Depicted Indra (god of the sky rain and cloud) who caused the scattering celestial rain (Parallel rows of oblique lines) on the stylized forest inhabited by animals. Indra rides in a chariot drawn by an elephant with 3 heads and is surrounded by winds and clouds (wavy lines).A serpent rises in the midst of the rain. Krishna was a baby and his brother (Balarama) holding the shaft of a plough. This story was illustrated from a scripture (Hiravamsa).
-West pediment: The scene takes place at a palace and the theme concerns Krishna. Who kills his cruel uncle king (Kamsa) because that king tries to kill him when he was a child Krishna clutches king Kamsa by his hair and throws him off his throne. This palace decorated with 2 levels and supported by columns. This story was illustrated from 2 scriptures (Bagavata Purana & Hiravamsa).
3, Divinity and Divine on the 3 Towers “Middle Tower”
The male-guardians are in the niches their hair is swept up in a cylindrical chignon and they hold a lotus bud in one hand and a lance in another hand.
-North lintel: It shows the battle between the monkeys (Valin & Sugryva).
-South lintel: Depicted a demon (Rakshashakmuka) disguised as a wild boar was killed by (Arjuna & Siva) “Mahabharata”.
-East lintel; Indra 9god of rain) is riding on an elephant with 3 heads (Airavana).
-West lintel; Ravana (Demon king) kidnapped Sita.
*North tower and south tower
Both towers were decorated with female divinities and have plaited hair simple dress heavy ear-ring that weighs down the earlobes and garlands of pearls that hang from their belts and their skirts are loosely draped.
*North tower
-North lintel: depicted younger brother of (Arjuna called Hema or Pima) tears out the demon (Chakronta) into 2 pieces.
-West lintel: God Vishnu with 4 arms that stood on the shoulders of Garuda (Devine vulture).
*South tower
-West lintel: Varuna (god of water and rain) is riding on sacred swan (Hasma).
-South lintel: Yama (god of death and Supreme Court) is riding on a water buffalo.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Weat Baray "Lake"

2010-02-10T21:14:00.000-08:00

The West Baray is a vast man-made lake (2.2 kilometers wide by 8 kilometers long and 5 meters depth). It holds the about (40.55million cubic meters). It was constructed in the reign of the king Suryavarman 1st (1002-1050) and Udayadityavarman 2nd (1050-1066). And an each dike surrounded it. According to some art-historians believed that the West Baray could have been used as.
* A mooring place for the Royal ship a reservoir for irrigation a site for breeding fish and also used as a landing field for seaplane in the middle of this century and during the reign of king Sihanouk his foreign visitors played the water-skied on this lake. According to the Khmer legend the young daughter of a king of Angkor was grabbed by a large crocodile which escaped through opening to the southern dike of Baray. It could be seen at the west of (Svay Romiet village). And finally the crocodile was captured and killed and the princess still living in its stomach was rescued.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

West Mé Bon Temple

2010-02-10T21:13:00.000-08:00

Date: Second half of 11th century.
Religion: Hinduism dedicated to “Vishnu”
-Clearance work and partly restoration by Mr. Maurice Glaize (1942-1944). It was built in thereign of king Udayadityavarman 2nd dating from the (second half of the 11th century) which was consecrating to the god Vishnu. It was a gigantic reclining bronze statue of Vishnu with 4 arms and 5.6 meters high making it the largest statue of Khmer art. It was taken to Phnom Penh National Museum in the year 1936 by Mr. Maurice Glaize 1936-1945. The temple situated at the right center of an artificial lake and stood on a circular island with a diameter of about 150 meters. It consisted a single tower and stood on a square base 10 meters for each sideand was surrounded by square sandstone wall is (100 meters for each side) which had square sandstone entry gate (3 meters high). The decoration of the entry towers is similar to the style of Baphoun temple.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Ba Kong Temple

2010-02-10T21:12:00.000-08:00

Location: Ba Kong is located at the “Rolous Group” south of Preah Ko temple.
Access: Enter and leave the temple from the east entrance & west entrance.
Date: Late 9th century (881).
Religion: Hinduism “dedicated to Siva”.
King: Indravarman 1st (877-889) posthumous name “Isvaraloka”.
Art-style: Preah Ko.
-Clearance work by Mr. Hemri Marchal (1916-1933) “1935”.
-Restoration by Mr. Maurice Glaize (1936-1945) “1936-1943”
-Posthumous name: Isvaraloka.
1, Background
Ba Kong temple was the center of the town “Hari-Hara laya” the name devived from the Gods Hari & Hara “Visnu & Siva”.It is a temple mountain representing the cosmic “Mountain Meru” the residence of the Gods. The five levels leading to the central sanctuary correspond to the world of mythical beings are (Naga, Garuda, Raksasak, yaksa and Maharaja).
2, Layout
The temple Ba Kong was built on an artificial mountain and enclosed by 3 walls made of laterite. It had a square base (65 meters for each side) with 5 tiers (15 meters high). The first wall is (700 meters wide by 900 meters long) but nothing left. In the courtyard of the first wall there were 22 bricks towers 6 bricks towers on the west 4 brick towers on the others three side (north, south and east) and the other 4 at corners. During the restoration they found some lingas statues of (Vsnu & Siva). Today those towers are in poor-conditioned state. The second wall is (310 meters wide by 350 meters long) or (300 meters wide by 400 meters long) which had 4 entry towers but we are only accessible the temple from the east and the west because they had causeways crossing the moat and formerly on the both side of each entrance was flanked by low Naga balustrades with 7 heads but today is in a poor-conditioned state. The moat is (60 meters wide 6.7 meters in depth) and a vast rectangular around the temple. The third wall is (115 meters wide by 150 meters long) or (120 meters wide by 160 meters long) which had 4 entry towers are in the shape of across. During the excavation they found 2 big statues of standing Visnu with 4 arms in Bayon style inside the east entry tower of the third wall but it was moved to Siem Reap Conservation Department. In the courtyard of this wall we can see 2 long laterite halls parallel to the eastern wall. They were probably used as rest houses for pilgrims and there are 4 square brick buildings 2 buildings located at the southeast and other 2 located at the northeast corners. They distinguished by rows of holes for ventilation and ach one of which opened to the west they were served as the hall for meditation by the priests. On each side of the causeway just beyond the hall there are 2 square structures with 4 doors. The inscription was found in the one on the right in the year 1935 by Mr. George Trouvé (1933-1935). It talks about the erection of the Linga (Sri-Indresvara) in the year 881. Further along the causeway there are 2 long sandstone buildings covered by timber-roof but which was completely perished. They may have been as the storehouses or libraries (Pustakasrama). There are 8 brick towers around the base of the pyramid but 2 brick towers on each of the 4 side of the base the decoration on the towers with a heavy coating of stucco. The towers decorated with one door opening to the east and had 3 false-doors have a stairway on each of the 4 side and are decorated with crouching lions at the base. The 2 towers at the east have a unique feature because each on of which had a double sandstone base the decoration on the false-doors is fine and especially that one on the right hand (in the front row) the false-door has remarkable Kala handles. All 8 brick towers are decorated with female and guardians in niches but the lintels were partly derived from the style of Ku Len. One of the eight brick towers on the northeast they found the statue of Siva and his two wives (Uma & Ganga) “Uma-ganga-patisvara”. It was kept in ‘Angkor Conservation Office’ in the year 1965 by Mr. Bernard Philippe Groslier (1959-1972).
3, Central Area “Base & Tower”
The square-shaped base has 5 tiers with a stairway on each of the 4 sides. Elephants stand at the corners of the first 3 tiers of the base 12 small sandstone towers identify the 4th tier each on of which originally contained a Linga. The 5th tier is framed by a mould-base decorated with the Bas-reliefs but are mostly eroded except the south part still reasonably intact say about Visnu prostrated 5 brothers of the demons are (Kandaka, Ukrayana, Kandara, Asoumachak and Virearkahangka).
4, Central Sanctuary
It is visible from each of the 5 levels because of the unusual width of the tiers. The tower was made of brick 2.70 meters high but demolished down and at a later date was rebuilt during Baphuon style (second half of the 11th century). The tower was made of sandstone with one door opening to the east and other 3 doors are false-doors and on the top decorated with a lotus-shaped top. The tower kept the Linga of Devaraja (God-King) “Sri-indresvara”.
*East Lintel: Siva dancing under the name “Nataraja”.
*West Lintel: Visnu was sleeping on “Sesa” serpent.
*North Lintel: Lakshmana among the monkeys was entwined by Indralit’s arrow in the form of the serpent.
*South Lintel: The Churning, The Ocean of Milk. At the corners of this tower depicted some scenes from the life of Krishna.
- (Krishna prostrated Kesin) horse.
- (Krishna-Simha) lion.
- (Krishna-Dhenuka) bull.
- (Krishna-Kuvalayapida) elephant.
The main tower was excavated by Mr. Henri Marchal (1935) 20 meters below the surface of the tower but he found nothing.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Peah Ko Temple

2010-02-10T21:11:00.002-08:00

“The sacred bull”
Location: Between Ba Kong and Lo Lei temples. It is midway between the Ba Kong and the road.
Access: Enter and leave the temple from east.
Date: Late 9th century (879).
King: Indravarman 1st (Iscaraloka).
Religion: Hinduism (dedicated to Siva) memorial temple built for the king’s parents and maternal grandparent paternal grandparents and king Jayavarman 2nd (Paramesvara) and his wife.
Art-style: Preah Ko temple.
-Clearance by Mr. George Trouvé in 1932.
-Posthumous name: Iç varaloka.
1, Layout
The name of this monument called “Preah Ko” (The sacred built). The vehicle of Siva to whom the temple was dedicated. The temple was built of brick dating from the late 9th century in the year 879 dedicated to God Siva and the memory of the king’s predecessors. The temple consists a group of 6 brick towers stood on a common low platform and arranged into 2 rows the front row and the back row which opened to the east side (sunrise) and other three sides are false-doors of sandstone. There are 3 walls enclosed the temple with 2 gate (east and west). The first wall was made of laterite is in poor-conditioned state with only vesting remaining. The first outer wall is (400 meters wide by 500 meters long) with square entry towers on the east and west and surrounded by a man-made ditch which is usually with water but it has plenty of aquatic plans such as are duck-weed water hyacinth how ever it’s useful for the villagers their daily life plants. The second wall was made of laterite too which is (53 meters wide by 58 meters long) with two entry towers are in the shape of across but the east entry gate stood on across-shaped laterite terrace as we notice that there is a remain of moonstone is note-worthy for its graceful form. In the courtyard of the wall we can see the bases of the 2 galleries which run parallel to the east wall. On each side of the causeway and closer to it are 2 more galleries with a porch opening to the east (mostly ruined). Close to and parallel to the north wall and south wall of the enclosure are 2 long halls for the pilgrims. Between the long hall and the gallery on the left is a square brick building. It may have been used as a place for the priests meditating. It is distinguished by rows of holes perhaps for ventilation and a row of figures of ascetics in niches above the holes on the upper portion of the building. It formerly had a porch opening to the west direction. Continuing along the causeway we can see a brick wall which has 2 entry towers one on the east and another one on the west. The third wall is (26 meters wide by 29 meters long) made of brick which enclosed the main area. In the courtyard there are the remains of the 3 crouching sacred bulls aligned in a row.
2, Central Area
The base of the 6 brick towers has 3 stairways along the eastern side. Sandstone lions on the both sides of the stairways guard the temple. The only one stairway is on the west side. All 6 brick towers are square and opened to the east and other three sides are false-doors. The towers are arranged into 2 rows 3 towers are in the front row and other 3 are in the back row but the 3 in the front row are bigger than the 3 in the back. The 3 towers in the front row are for the paternal ancestors with made guardians flanking the doorways. The 3 towers in the back row are for the maternal ancestors and have the female divinities flanking the doorways. The names of the ancestors of the king Indravarman 1st as follow.
-Sri-rudre-svara “maternal grand-father” north tower in the front row.
-Sri-rudre-devi “maternal grand-mother” north tower in the back row (husband & wife).
-Sri-paramesvara or Jayavarman 2nd “the middle tower in the front row”.
-Sri-dharanindradevi “the middle tower in the back row” (husband & wife).
-Sri-ridtevindresvara (father) “south tower in the front row”.
-Sri-ridtevindradevi (mother) “south tower in the back row” (husband & wife).
Well! The heavy coating of stucco covered the towers which are still remaining today. The towers were made of brick but the lintel columns made of sandstone. The columns are octagonal. The lintel above the door of the tower in the front row on the right is decorated with small horsemen and figures mounted on serpents. Another lintel on the false-door of the middle tower of the back row on the west side has a Garuda in the center surmounted by a row of small heads. The decorations of the 3 brick towers in the front row are more beautiful than the 3 in the back row because the 3 towers in the front row are decorated with the male sandstone figures but other 3 towers in the back row are of female figures of stucco. The decorations of Preah Ko is nearly the same decoration of (Sambor-Prei-kuk) Preah Ko was built under the reign of the king Indravarman 1st after king Jayavarman 2nd had moved the capital from Kule mountain (Siva pada).
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Lo Lei Temple

2010-02-10T21:11:00.001-08:00

Location: Is at “Rolous Group” north of Preah Ko and Bakong temple.
Access: Enter and leave the temple from the stairs at the east side.
Date: End of 9th century (893).
King: Yasovarman 1st “Paramasivaloka” (889-910?).
Religion: Hinduism “dedicated to Siva” and the memory of the king father.
Art-style: Transitional between Preah Ko and Bakong temple.
-Posthumous name: Paramasivaloka.
1, background
The temple originally stood on an artificial island in the middle of a Baray called Indratataka (800 meters wide by 3000 or 3800 meters long) king Indravarman 1st dug it five days after the day of Indravrman 1st accession to the throne but today it dries up. According to the inscription found at the temple the water of this Baray was for use at the capita “Hari-Hara-Laya” and for irrigation the plain in this area.
2, Layout
It stood on a laterite-base with 2 levels with low laterite-walls and had a stairway on each of the 4 side. The base is 4 meters high with 4 stairways each one of which is 2.4 meters wide.The first level is (85 meters wide by 100 meters long) and 1.5 meters high. The second level is 80 meters wide by 90 meters long) and 2.50 meters high. Well! At the right center of the laterite-base one can see 4 large brick towers situated on a low brick platform these towers are divided into 2 rows the front row and the back row it is possible the original plan had 6 towers which probably shared on a common base like that at Preah Ko temple but other 2 are missing. Today the northeast tower is the best preserved. The 2 towers in the front row are square (4.50 meters for each side) and decorated with male guardians holding the tridents and the other s 2 in the back row are square too but smaller (4 meters for each side) and decorated with female guardians holding fly-whisks or fly swatters. They are sculpted in sandstone with a brick casing. All the towers opened to the east and others three sides are false-doors that decorated with multiple figures. The inscriptions are on the doors of all 4 brick towers. We noticed that the lintel of the Northeast tower depicted Indra is riding on an elephant with figures and Makaras vomited serpents. The workmanship on the lintels is skilled and the composition-balance. At the main center we can see across-shaped sandstone channel for draining off the rainwater. (Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Phnom Ba Keng "Mountain"

2010-02-10T21:09:00.000-08:00

(In-drean-tri)
“Big mountain dedicating to the main god”
Location: 1300 meters north of Angkor wat and 400 meters south of Angkor Thom (south gate).
Access: Enter and leave Phnom Bakheng “67 meters high” by climbing a long steep part with some steps on the east side of the monument. It is possible to see the five towers of Angkor Wat in the east and (Phnom Krom Mountain) in the southwest near the west Barayin the west.
Date: Late 9th century to the early 10th century (900?).
King: Yasovarman 1st (Paramasivaloka) he had 2 sons Harshavarman 1st (910-923, 900-944) and Isanavarman 2nd (923-928, 925-928).
Religion: Hinduism (dedicated to the god Siva).
Art-style: Bakheng
-Clearance work by Mr. Henri Marchal (919-1930).
-Research by Mr. Vitor Goloubew (1931-1934).
1, Background
After king Yasovarman 1st became king in the year 889 he founded his own capital called (Yasodharapura) North West of “Rolous Group”and built Bakheng as his stste temple. Bakheng is sometimes called “The First Angkor”. Tis capital was surrounded by a square earth embankment (4 kilometers for each side) enclosed an area of about 16 square kilometers but today nothing left. The second wall is of laterite (440 meters wide by 650 meters long0 enclosed the hill but today is mostly broken. The third wall is of laterite (100 meters wide by 200 meters long) on the top of the hill.
2, Symbolism
Well! On the hill we can see the footprint of Buddha from 16th century. It enclosed in the cement and covered with a timber-roof. Next on right to the east entry tower of the third wall we see a stele from the same time of the temple. In the courtyard three are two libraries of sandstone opening to the west and on the wall of these libraries are identified by the rows of diamond-shaped holes. The temple stood on a square pyramid base is (76 meters for each side) which had 5 tiers and the total height is 13 meters high. Each side of the base has a steep stairway. Seated lions flanked each side of the stairway. There are 44 brick towers around the base of the temple 12 stone towers on each of the 5 tiers and there are 5 towers on the top level (1.60 meters high by 31 meters for each side) making a total of 109 towers in replica of (The Mountain Meru). And 12 stone towers on the different levels are represented to the 12-years cycle of the animal zodiac. Excluded the central tower the number of the 108 towers that symbolize the attitude (Buddha 56, Dharma38 and Snka14). Buddha father 21, mother 12, brother 6, relative 7, and teacher 10. And another idea is that for the 108 pieces of the rosary or the 4 lunar phases with 27 days in each phase (crescent, half-moon oval shape and full-moon).
3, Top level
There are 5 towers on the top level 4 towers at the corners and one tower in the middle which contained “Devaraja Linga” called “Sri-Yaso-dhare-svara”. This tower opened to all 4 directions and was covered by the timber roof. An inscription (15lines) is visible on the left-hand of the north door dating from the king Jayavarman 5th (968-1001). It also mentioned about the construction of the king Yasovarman 1st inside the main tower they excavated a hole of 2 meters in depth that found a sarcophagus (0.80 meter wide by 1.40 meters long and 0.70 meter high). Mr. George Soedès said. The others 4 towers kept the Lingas too. Female divinities are decorated in the corners of the main tower.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Bak Sei Cham Krong Temple

2010-02-10T21:08:00.000-08:00

“The bird that shelters under its wings”
Location: Is located 150 meters north of “Phnom Bakheng” and 80 meters from the road that leading to the south gate of ‘Angkor Tom.
Access: A visit to ‘Baksei Chamkrong”can be combined with a stop at the south gate of Angkor Tom and walk to the temple from the east. Well! The stairs to the central tower are in poor condition but the architecture and decoration of this temple can be viewed by walking around. Climb to the central tower should use the north stairway.
Date: Middle of the 10th century (921).
King: Perhaps began by Harshavarman 1 (Rudraloka) and it completed by Rajendravarman 2 (947).
Religion: Hinduism (dedicated to Siv).
Art-style: Bakheng & koh ker.
-Clearance work by Mr. Henri Marchal (1919).
1, Background
According to legend a king fled during an attack on Angkor but was saved from being caught by the enemy when a large bird swooped down and spread its wings to shelter the king. The name of this temple derived from this legend Bakei Chamkrong was the first temple mountain at Angkor built entirely of durable materials (brick laterite-stone). Inscriptions on the columns of the door were engraved in the reign of king Rajendravarman 2 (944-968) which give the date of the temple and mentioned the golden image of the god Siva.
2, Layout
Baksei Chamkrong which has a simple plan with a single tower on top. It was an artificial temple mountain stood on a high laterite-base with 4 levels 27 meters high from the top to the bottom. The base is 15 meters high and the brick tower is 12 meters high. A steep stairway on each of the 4 sides of base. The temple was enclosed by a brick wall is 45 meters for each which had an entry tower at the east side it is mostly broken.
3, Central tower “brick”
The square central tower is built of brick 8 meters for each side and stands on a sandstone base. It has one door opening to the east with three false-doors on the other three sides. As it is typical formula of the 10th century Kmer architecture the columns lintels are made of sandstone. A vertical panel in the center of each false-door contains motifs of foliage on stems. The interior of this tower has sunken floor and a domed-shape roof. In the corners of the brick tower decorated with female divinities.
*East lintel: Indra (god of the sky cloud) is riding on an elephant with three heads “Airavana” (Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Preah Khan Temple

2010-02-10T21:07:00.001-08:00

“The Sacred Sword” (Nakara-jaya-srei)
Location: Northeast of Angkor Thom and west of Neak Pean.
Access: Enter and leave it from the west entrance. (World Monument Fund) is in the process of clearing and repairing this temple to give visitors a better understanding of its original from.
Date: Second half of the 12th century (1191).
King: Jayavarman 7th (Mahaparasangata Pada).
Religion: Buddhism (dedicated to the father of king Dharanindravarman 2) “1150-1160”.
Art-style: Bayon.
-Clearance work by Mr. Henri Marchal (1927-1932).
-Partly restored by Mr. Maurice Glaize (1937).
1, Background
The temple located northeast of Angkor Tom. It was a flat temple stood on a ground level surrounded by 4 walls. The first wall is ( 700 meters wide by 800 meters long) which had 4 gates and it enclosed an area of about (5607 hectares) make it one of the largest temples in the Angkor Park. In front of each gate of the first wall we can see the statues of the (Gods and Demons) held the sandstone handrails in from of the Naga banisters as are fond at the entrance of Angkor Tom. At the beginning of the west and east entry towers of the first wall we can see the walk way (10 meters wide by 100 meters long) with sandstone markers or lantern pillars displaying the heads of the mythical monsters which originally contained the seated Buddha but they were chiseled off during the iconoclastic reaction in 1296. The design of the temple is similar to those of Ta prohn & Banteay Khdei temples, but except the gates without the 4 stone face. On the wall we can see many statues of Garuda “divine vulture” 4 meters high that is reproduced every 50 meters around the wall. Incription fond in 1939 indicated that Preah Khan was the ancient city nakara-jaya-srei of jayavarman 7. The second part of the name (Jayasrei) that means sacred sword meaning Preah Khan in the Khmer word Mr. Geroge Sodés said. By Mr.Helen Churchill Candee said.
*It may have served as a temporary residence of king jayavarman 7 when he was rebuilding the capital devastated by Cham fleet in A.D 1177. And another idea said the temple was used as the third monastery of Jayavarman 7 who built for his father and called Preah Khan.
*By Mr. Henri Parmentiers said Preah Khan (sacred sword) has a connection Brtween the sacred sword and the name of the temple but in Cambodia also had another temple called Preah Khan Kompong Svay in Kompong Thom. The second wall is (175 meters wide by 250 meters long) with 4 cross-shaped sandstone entry towers. In the courtyard there are many pieces of sandstone carvings demolished down except “The Hall of Dancers” and 2 libraries are still in good state. North of the hall of dancers we can see a building with double levels that is known as a house was reserved to keep the sacred sword which was one of the important attributes of the king. Before his successor came to power he had to inaugurate here. The third wall is (83 meters wide by 90 meters long) with 4 entry towers and used as a gallery for meditation by priests and pilgrims but today is in the poor condition. The fourth wall is (40 meters wide by 47 meters long) with 4 entry towers and used as a gallery. Inside the east entry tower of this wall we see a sandstone inscription (2 meters high and 0.60 meter for each side) each of its four sides is engraved 72 lines of square letter at the end of the 12th century. Later it was brought to Angkor Conservation Office in 1995.
2, Central tower
The central tower was formed of cross-shaped plan with 4 entrances which lead to the 4 directions. It was formerly covered by coating of stucco or gilded today nothing left. Formerly had a statue of (Lokasvara) with 8 arms under the name Sri-jaya-varme-svara had been inside the main tower that could represent to the father of the king. This big statue was found in the year 1943 in the area of the temple but it was broken down and stolen in 1945 during the Japanese time. Nowadays we also see a sort of shrine but dating from the 16th century replacing the original statue of Lokesvara. On the west part of the main tower we see 2 groups of chapels were used as the shrines or for the burial place Mr. Geroge Sodés said. The temple owned the villages 5.324 with the population is of 97.840 males and females included 444officials 4.606 men-servants 2.298 women-servants 1.000 dancers 47.436 worshippers. Besides these numbers the king allowed people from the other villages 8.176 with the population is of 208.532 included 323 curators 6.465 workers 4.332 women but 1.622 were women-dancers. The total population is of 306.372.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Neak Pean Temple

2010-02-10T21:06:00.001-08:00

“COILED SERPENT”
‘Raja-Srei’
Location: East of “Preah Khan” temple 300 meters from the road.
Access: Enter and leave it from the north entrance.
Date: Second half of the 12th century and the beginning of the 13th century.

King: Jayavarman 7th “mahaparasangata pasa”
Religion: Buddhism.
Art-style: Bayon.
-Clearance work by (Mr. Henri Marchal 1922-1924.
-Anastylosis: By (Mr.Maurice Glaize 1936-1944.
1, Background
Neak Pean was located at the center of the Bayon Jayatataka (900 meters wide by 3500 meters long). The temple situated on the same axis of Preah Khan. It stood on an artificial island (350 meters for each side) which supported by laterite-steps and furnished with staircases. An earth embankment (340 meters for each side0 enclosed the temple. Small elephants were found at the corners but now remain nothing (Said Mr. Henri Marchal 1916-1933). Neak Pean is a small temple and had a collection of 5 ponds it offers a delightful visit of its special unique feature. It is believed to have been consecrating to Buddha coming to the glory Nirvana. According to (Mr. George Sodés, Mr. Finot, Mr. Vitor Goloubew) could identified the central pool as “Ana vata pata Lake” mythical saint place in the Himalayas (India) situated at the top of the universe. The lake gave birth to the 4 great rivers of the earth “Ganges, Pamapudra, Saravati, and Mythical River”. These rivers are (25 meters for each side) that represented at Neak Pean by the sculpted gargoyles corresponding to the 4 points or 4 elements (earth, wide, fire and water). Anavatapata was fed by hot springs and venerated in India for the curative powers of its water. The orientation of neak Pean for the priests and the pilgrims to clean their stains or blemish off and lead them to the supreme perfections.

2, Layout
The large square man-made pond is (70 meters for each side) bordered by steps and surrounded by 4 smaller square ponds. A small circular sandstone island comprised (15 meters in diameter) with a stepped base of 7 sandstone levels (3.50 meters high) supported the main tower which had 3 levels and decorated by lotus flower on the top. It formerly opened to the east but the three sides are walled up by Lokesvara images small elephants sculpted in the corners. The pediments of the tower had different scenes of Buddha’s life.
*East pediment: The cutting of his hair.
*West pediment: Buddha protected by Musolinda serpent.
*North pediment: The great departure of Buddha.
*South pediment: Buddha meditated under the Buddha tree.
The main tower was twisted by a large fir tree but was swept down by hurricane in (1935) and subsequently reconstructed by Mr. Maurice Glaize in 1938. Mr. Henri Marchal (French man) cleaned the whole temple in 1922-1924.

3, Central Tower
The bodies of 2 serpents (Nanda & Upananda) encircled the base of the island and their tails entwined on the west side. It’s the configuration that gives the name of the temple Neak Pean. The principal feature in the pond of the main tower is a sculpted horse (Balaha) swimming towards the tower with figures clinging to its side. The horse is a manifestation of Avalokesvara who is transformed himself into a horse to rescue Simhala a merchant and his companions of misfortune. They were shipwrecked on an island off Sri-lanka and snatched by female ogres with a long beak.

4, 4 Small buildings
The 4 buildings served as an ablution place where pilgrims could clean their stain or blemish off. They anointed themselves with holy water which flowed from the waterspout that connected to the cetral pond. Each waterspout is different.
*North: The head of the elephant.
*South: The head of the lion.
*East: The head of the man.
*West: The head of the horse.
The ceilings of these buildings had vaulted roofs which decorated with the lotus motifs.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Ta Som Temple

2010-02-10T21:05:00.001-08:00

“The Ancestor Som”
Location: East of Neak Pean & Preah Khan Temples.
Access: Enter and leave the templefrom the west entrance.
Date: End of the 12th century.
King: Jayavarman 7th (Mahaparamasangatapada).
Religion: Buddhism.
Art-style: Bayon.
-Clearance work by (Mr. Henri marchal 1930).

1, Background
Going a head from the East Mébon we wiil see Ta Som Temple. The western gate of the temple decorated with 4 stone faces of (Lokesvara) which was formerly covered by the roots of a fig tree hanging down to earth that would obstruct the passage. It kooked attractive that then the Royal government took it as an identification of Cambodian Currency. It has not been restored yet. It’s a small and quiet temple and affords a delightful visit of its unique. It was interested by many tourists because the 4 faces of Lokesvara on the west gate which had been twisted by the gigantic roots of a fig tree but was cut off by Khmer-Rouge during the year (1975-1979). This temple was used as their camp in order to keep their medical equipments.

2, Layout
Ta Som was a single monument which situated on a ground-level and surrounded by 3 laterite-walls with 2 entry gates (one gate on the east and another one on the west side0 all the entry gates are in the shape of across but the entry gates of the first wall are decorated with 4 stone smiling faces of Lokesvara that could symbolize (The Charity Compassion Sympathy Equanimity).The temple was aligned on the same axis as Neak Pean & Preah Khan. Will! The first wall is (200 meters wide by 240 meters long0 with 2 entry gates. In the courtyard of this wall we can see a moat. The second wall is (66 meters wide by 85 meters long) with 2 gates are in the shape of across. The third wall is (20 meters wide by 30 meters long) which used as a gallery and it had 4 gates that are in the shape of across. In the courtyard there are 2 libraries which opened to the west but today are in a poor condition.
3, Central tower
The main tower is in the shape of across with 4 porches which opened to the 4 cardinal directions.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

East Mébon Temple

2010-02-10T21:04:00.001-08:00

Location: North of Pré Rup temple about 1400 meters.
Access: Enter and leave it from the east entrance.
Date: Second half of the 10th century (952).
King: Rajendravarman2 (944-968).
Religion: Hinduism (dedicated to Siva and the memory of the king’s parents).
-Art-style: Pré Rup
-Clearance work by Mr. Henri Maachal & Mr. Maurise Glaize 1935-1939.
1, Background
Mébon Temple stood on a small man-made island is 250 meters in diameters and situated in the center of the East Baray called “yasodharatataka” (1.8 kilometers wide by 7 kilometers long and 3 meters in depth) with a volume of 40 million cubic meters of water that could feed the river of Siem Reap. The temple was formerly accessible only by boat. Today it becomes a vast plain of the rice field.

2, Layout
The temple stood on the same axis of the east gate of Angkor Tom. The temple stood on a high laterite-base with 3 levels and had 4 steep stairways on each of the4sides of the base and had 5 brick towers on top opening to the east side. The first level is (130 meters for each side and 3.4 meters high) with 4 stairways on each of the 4 side of the base and flanked by sandstone lion. A walkway on the first level is 5 meters wide around the first wall. The temple was surrounded by 2 laterite-walls. The first wall is (120 meters for each side) with 4 cross-shaped entry gates. A sandstone inscription was found inside the east gate of the first wall but it was brought to the Angkor Conservation during 1995. We can see the beautiful monolithic sandstone elephants (2 meters high) which stood on the 4 corners of the first level. And in its courtyard there are many rectangular laterite-buildings they were probably covered by timber-roof and used halls for meditation by priests. The walkway on the second level is 2 meters wide around the second wall is (95 meters for each side and 2.50 meters high) with 4 gate. On the corners of the second level we see the beautiful monolithic sandstone elephants but the one in the southwest corner is in the best condition. West lintel of the east gate of the second wall depicted Krishna who fights against a snake (Kalya) that lived in Ramanaka pond. In its courtyard there are 8 brick towers 2 towers are on each of the 4 side and opening to the east and using for storing the Siva-lingas. Besides the 8 brick towers and there are 5 rectangular laterite-buildings 2 buildings are in the west side opening to the east and the other 3 buildings are in the east side opening to the west but the 2 buildings in the south axis where the 9 planets stone block was found (Chhandra, Surya, Vayu, Agni, Varuna, Yama, Indra, Skanda and Rahu). A west lintel on the northeast laterite building which had a depiction of the goddess Shri wife of god Vishnu she was sitting on a lotus between 2 elephants. With raised trunks sprinkling holy water on her. East lintel on the west gate of the second wall has a depiction of god Vishnu in his incarnation as a man-lion called (Narashimha) who tore a part of his enemy demon king (Hiranyakshakashipu) who claimed to have the same right and ranks as god. The third level is (30 or 33 meters for each side and 2.30 meters high) made of sandstone which used as a base of the 5 towers (4 meters for each side).
3, Top Level
There are 5 brick towers on top 4 towers are at the corners and one tower is in the center opening to the east side.
*Middle tower
East Lintel: Has a depiction of god Indra is riding on as elephant with 3 heads (Airavana) and also showing the small horsemen on a branch of lintel and a small frieze of worshipers.
West Lintel: It depicted Skanda god of war he rides on his peacock.
South Lintel: God Siva rides on his sacred bull ( Nandin).
North Lintel: Depicted a goddess is on a lotus flower. The central tower formerly stored a Siva-Ling (Sri-rajendrasvara).
*Northwest tower
East Lintel: It depicted Ganesa god of wisdom is curiously on his trunk which is transformed into his vehicle.
*Southeast tower
North Lintel: The head of a monster is vomiting a head of as elephant.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Pré Rub Ttemple

2010-02-10T21:02:00.000-08:00

“Change or Turn the Body”
Location: North of Srah Srong and south of dyke of the East Baray about 500 meters.
Access: Enter and leave the temple from the east entrance.
Date: Second half of the 10th century (961).
King: Rajendravarman 2nd (Sivaloka).
Religion: Hinduism (dedicated to god Siva).
Art-style: Pré Rup Temple.
-Clearance work by Mr.Henri Marchal & Mr.George Trouvé (1930-1935).
-Posthumous name: Sivaloka.

1, Background
It was an excellent temple in style and decoration and made of laterite and brick and built several years later than (Mebon Temple 9 years). It was represented to (The Mountain Meru) with 5 brick tower on top. According to the inscription told the date in (A.D 961) and the name of Siva-linga (Rajendra-bhadhresvara) which keep in the central tower (4.20 meters for each side) and another linga kept in the northeast tower (Rajendra-vemesvara). The others 3 towers formerly they kept the statues (Siva, Uma and Vishnu) and his ancestors and king Harshavarman 2 (Brahmaloka) his cousin brother Mr. Philippe Stern (Frenchman) who worked on this temple and he said (pré Rup) was the center of the (East Capital) after returning from Koh Ker (Preah Vihear Province) which was emigrated in the year (921-944). The Cambodians have always regarded this temple as having funerary association is still doubtful. The name Pré Rup “Changing the body” and it recalls and changed into another form that could reach his goal. 2, Layout
The temple stood on an artificial mountain which had laterite base with 3 levels (13.5 meters high) and 5 brick towers on the top. The plan is square and surrounded by 2 laterite walls each one of which has 4 gates. The first wall is (116 meters wide by 127 meters long) with 4 gates and in the courtyard of the wall there are 6 brick towers divided into 2 groups (North group & South group) which stood on the common base and opening to the east side. The middle tower (5 meters for each side) is each of the 2 groups bigger than the other towers. The size of the brick is (16 centimeters wide by 30 centimeters long and 8.5 centimeters thick). They put it on and on with natural tree leaves when the Frenchman built the grand circuit. The east lintel of the south tower of (south group) which depicted Vihnu in his incarnation as a man-lion (Narashimha) tore a part his opponent demon king (Hiranyakshakashipu) who claimed to have the same rank and right as god. The second wall is (75 meters wide by85 meters long) with 4 gates. In the courtyard of his wall there are many rectangular laterite buildings that used as long halls for meditation by the priests and pilgrims. These buildings were formerly covered by time-roof. In the northeast corner there is a curious small square building which built of blocks of laterite and opened to all 4 directions. And some art-historians suggested this building was used a place for cleaning the ashes of the dead person. The inscription of the temple was found in a gallery near this building but it was brought to Siem Reap Conservation office during 1995 for safekeeping. On the both side of the east entrance of the second wall there are 2 brick buildings opening to the west side which would be libraries. Inside these 2 buildings they found a stone-block of 9 planets (Chhandra, Surya, Vayu, Varuna, Skanda, Agni, Indra, Yama and Rahu). Between these 2 buildings we can see a stone-tank is (1.90 meters wide by 3 meters long) which used as a pedestal of the sacred bull (Nandin) or a sarcophagus ( Mr.Maurize Glaize 1936-1945) but Mr. Henri Parmentier mentioned it as a tank in which the legendary personage was burnt. the first level is (50 meters for each side and 6.70 meters high) which contained 12small brick towers opening to the east side each one of which had a Siva-linga. And the third level is (35 meters for each side) made of sandstone and as a base of the 5 towers.
3, Top Level
There are 5 brick towers on top 4 towers are at the corners and one tower is in the center of the plan. The temple stood on a high base with 3 levels and had 4 steep stairways on each of the 4 side of the base and was flanked by sandstone lions on their pedestals. The 3 brick towers in the fron row are decorated with the male guardians in niches and the other 2 towers in the row back row with the female guardians. The southwest tower on the east side has a depiction of the goddess (Sarasvati) wife of (Brahma) with 4 arms and 4 faces and on the west side there is another goddess with 4 arms and 4 faces in the from of wild boar is the wife of god Vishnu in his incarnation as (Varaha wild boar).
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Ba Phoun Temple

2010-02-10T21:01:00.000-08:00

(Sva.ra.natry) “Golden Mountain”
Location: Baphoun is located 200 meters northwest of Bayon and south of Pimeanakas Temple.
Access: Enter and leave the temple from the east entrance.
Date: Middle of the 11th century (1055-1066).
King: Udayadityavarman 2nd.
Religion: Hinduism.
Art-style: Baphoun.
-Clearance work by Mr. Jean Commaille (1908-1914).
-Protection work by Mr. Henri marchal (1916-1918).
-Dismantle work by mr. Bernard Philippe Groslier (1960-1972).
-A French team came to study and survey the temple in (1989).
1, Background
The grandeur of Baphoun as described by a Chinese diplomat (Zhou Daguan) is unrecognizable in today because of the poor condition of the temple. This temple was formerly located at the center of “Yasodharapura 2” and surrounded by an earth embankment but mostly ruined except the second sandstone wall is (125 meters wide by 425 meters long) which had 2 gates. The temple connected to the south wall of the Royal Palace. An interesting feature of Baphoun is the Bas-reliefs which are scenes carved in Small Square and the narrative themes are realistic depictions of daily life and forest scenes.
2, Layout
Baphoun is a single temple-mountain situated on a high base is of 50 meters high from the top to the bottom that represented to “mountain Meru” with 5 levels that are approximately the same size the first three levels are surrounded by sandstone galleries. The base of the temple is (90 meters wide by 115 meters long) and 5 meters in high. Baphoun was the first temple in which the stone galleries with a central tower called (The Copper-tower or the Gold-mountain Sva.ra.natry) Zhou daguan said in 1296. The sandstone bridge which linked to the main temple is (200 meters long by 2 meters wide and 1.5 meters high) flanked by two pools and it was supported by 3 rows of short sandstone columns. If we pass the two rectangular pools we will see a rectangular paved pool is (28 meters wide by 37 meters long). In the courtyard of the first level are two libraries on the left side and right side but today is in poor condition. On the west side of the third gallery is almost disappeared and the pieces of stone had been taken into the shape of an unknown reclining Buddha (Soy-nea-mudra) that spans the length of the west wall the head is on the left facing the temple. It is abstract from and the outline of this Buddha is difficult to distinguish. A stairway leading to the top begins is the middle of the Buddha.
3, Top level
The top level is (36 meters wide by 42 meters long) in poor condition. Originally there was a central tower which stored a Linga “Tri-pou-va-pa-chou-da-mony”. Each side of the stairway to the main tower is carved with fine animated figures.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Phi Mean NaKsa Temple

2010-02-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

“Golden Tower”
Location: It located inside the Riyal Palace north of Baphoun and Bayon temple.
Access: Enter and leave it from the Terrace of the Elephants by using the east gate of (the Royal wall).
Date: End of the 10th century to the 11th century.
King: Rajendravarman 2nd (944-968) “Sivaloka”Jayavarman 5th (968-1001) “Paramasivaloka” Suryavarman 1st (1002-1049) “Nirvanapada”
Religion: Hinduism (dedicated to Siva)
Art-style: Khleangs.
-Clearance work by (Mr. Jean Commaille 1908 & Mr.Henri Marchal 1916-1918).
-Excavation work of the north pool by (Mr. Maurice Glaize 1944)
1, Area
The Royal Plaza covers an area of about 15 hectares surrounded by a strong laterite-wall is (250 meters wide by 600 meters long and 5 meters high) with 5 gates 7 meters high built by king Rajendravarman 2. Inside the Royal area there are 2 pools.
* West pool: Is (45 meters wide by 125 meters long and 5.50 meters deep) for the men.
* East pool: Is (25 meters wide by 50 meters long and 4.50 meters deep0 for the women. They found 2 inscriptions on the second level of the temple that talking about king Jayavarman 7. The first inscription said about the religion that practiced by the Khmers is also mentioned about the fig tree as “Trinity” (the root is for Brahma the trunk is for Siva the branch is for Visnu). The second inscription said about those who obtained Nirvana after having diffused a number of king-ness and practiced the virtue of priests.
2, Background
The temple situated at the right center of the Royal wall. It was formerly covered by a Golden Pinnacle as “Chinese Diplomat Zhou Dauan in 1296” described it as the golden tower. According to the legend believed that in side the golden tower “there was a serpent with 9 heads which was the earth master of the kingdom. It appears every night under from of a beautiful lady with whom the king had to sleep with her every night in the main tower before he joined his wives and concubines in the palace. If the snake did not appear for one night it would be the end of the king’s life. If the king failed to come for only one night he had to suffer the misfortune”.
3, Layout
The temple stood on a high rectangular laterite-base (28 meters wide by 35 meters long) with 3 levels 12 meters high “first level is 4.6 meters high, second level is 4 meters high, third level is 3.4 meters high” built by the king Jayavarman 5. The upper level is ( 23 meters wide by 30 meters long) which surrounded by a sandstone gallery (1 meter wide by 2 meters high) with 4 doors. The temple had 4 steep stairways one each side of the base and flanked by sandstone lions and at the corners of all level decorated with sandstone elephants on their pedestals but mostly broken.
4, Upper part (gallery & central tower)
The gallery was built at the beginning of the reign of king Suryavarman 1 in (A.D 1002-1049) including the central tower. The gallery enclosed the upper area and the main tower. The main tower stood on a base with 3 levels and opening to the 4 cardinal directions.
*Note: The inscription of the door-frame of the east gate of the Royal wall dated in 1011 under reign of king Suryavarman 1 said about “the promise of dignitaries of the kingdom of which the text is closely attached to them that is still in practice in the cout of Cambodia today”
*5 zones:
-Southeast: Royal conference hall or home of priests.
-Southwest: Royal court (king queen and concubines).
-Central part: Phimeanakas Temple.
-Northwest: Private village of mandarins and nobleman.
-Northeast: 2 pools.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

The Terrace of Elephants

2010-02-10T20:57:00.000-08:00

Location: south of the Terrace of the Leper-King north of the BPHOUN and BAYON Temple in front of the PHIMEANAKAS Temple.
Date: End of twelfth century.
King: Jayavarman 7
-Posthumous name: Mahaparamasanata pada.
-Clearance work by Mr. Mecquenem in 1911 and Mr. Henri Marchal 1916.
It was (15 meters wide by 350 meters long and 3 meters high) which had 3 parts.
*South part: It reveals the high relief of the three-headed elephants on the both side of the stairway eating the lotus flowers.
* Middle part: It depicted the high relief with a long line of elephants hunting the lions and the water buffalos.
* North part: There is a horse with 5 heads is the divine horse called (Balaha) and also decorated with Bas-reliefs which seem to represent the circus game…etc. It located in the area of the Angkor Tom dating from the reign of king Jayavarman 7 end of the 12th century to the beginning of the 13th century. Well! Terrace of the Elephants was used as “The basement of the big council or for performing the theater Royal Opera Apsaras dancing” It was believed that this area originally contained a wooden pavilion highlighted gold and the wall decorated with the mirrors and gilded window frames.
Said Chinese Diplomat Mr. Zhou Daguan in 1296. He described some festivals. In front of the palace they set up a large platform that could hold more then one thousand people and entirely provided with lanterns and flower. In front of the platform thy jointed the pillars together that are likely the elevated scaffolding. On its top they put fire-works and firecrackers. At night the king is requested to attend the spectacles. They set off the fire-works and firecrackers. The firecrackers are so big and powerful that its explosion would shake the whole town. Each month there is a festival at “The 9th month” the whole populations in the city of the kingdom gathered and make them present in front of the palace in order to be reviewed and at “The 5th month” they bring Buddha’s statues from all the places in the city keep in one place then they fetch the water and bathe them in the presence of the king … When the king leaves for his court all the cavalry is leading then come the banners and music. The ladies of the court about 300-500 in floral cloth and flower on the heads hold in their hands and lighted candles though it is in the day-time and from themselves in the bands. Then come ladies with royal utensils of gold and silver in different styles and decoration. They were either a group of the ladies of the court holding the lance and the shield of the king. We could also see goat-carts and horse-carts richly decorated in gold. The ministers and princes were sitting on the elephants their parasols were red. Behind them the king’s spouses and concubines were in sedan chair in carts or on elephants. They had certainly more then hundred parasols provided with gold. Following then was the king standing on the elephant and holding the precious sword. The tusks of the elephant were enveloped by gold. There were more than twenty white parasols furnished with gold and its handles were of gold several elephants were around the king and the cavalry protected him.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

The Terrace of Leper-Kimg

2010-02-10T20:55:00.000-08:00

"THE TERRACE OF THE LEPER-KING"
Location: It located immediately north of The Terrace of The Elephants.
Access: From the east entrance.
Date: End of the 12th century & 13th century.
King: Jayavarman 7 (Mahaparamesaugata pada).
Religion: Buddhism.
Art-style: Bayon.
-It cleaned by Mr. (Mecquenem 1911 &Mr.Henrimarchal 1917)
1, Background
The terrace of leper-king was a remarkable wall that formerly had 6 or 7 rows of the Bas-reliefs mainly king in the ceremonial parade sword in hand and surrounded by their courts and favorites. The lower parts which are decorated with Nagas, fishes and some kinds of the animals. It is in the shape of a square base is of ( 25 meters for each side and 7 meters high).
2, Bas-reliefs
The decoration of which begins with gaming scenes in palace then continue with a line of fish in its foundation.
3, Layout
The edifice had been allowed to be enlarged by 2 meters all round. The terrace stood on a high base and was covered by a light pavilion. But today nothing left. On the top of the terrace we could find the famous stature of the leper-king in a copy which has the rare peculiarity in the Khmer-art of being completely naked the sexual organ being absent. This enigmatic statue whose value has been much exaggerated although the head is fine is considered by native to a portrait of the king Yasodharapura 1(889-910) the founder of the city Yasodharapura who according to the legend die of leprosy. As Mr.Jean Commaille(1908-1916) has right pointed out the statue shows none of the typical characteristics of leprosy which the Khmer would not have missed emphasizing. According to the ideas of some art-historians see it is portrait of Kubera(god of rich) who was a leper. The inscription on the statue in characters of the 14th or 15th century which maybe translated as the portrait of Yama (god of death or judgment). Mr. George Sodés believed that most of the Khmer monuments were used as buried temples and the remains of the king were deposited there after cremation. And that the Royal Crematorium was located on the Terrace of the Leper-King. A legend in a Cambodian chronicle tells of a minister who refused to prostrate before the king who hit him with his sword. Later venomous spittle fell on the king who then became a leper-king. Some authors believed that Jayavarman 7 was a leper-king for that reason built many hospitals through out the Khmer empire. And anther theory is that it was used as a Royal Court House of the king Jayavarman 7 who built the statue of god Yama as symbol.(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Pali Lay Temple

2010-02-10T20:54:00.000-08:00

PALILAY "Temple"

Location: North of Pimeanakas.
Access: Enter and leave it from the east.
Date: First half of the 12th century (central tower & the east gate in the 12th & 13th century).
Religion: Buddhism & Hinduism.
King: Jayavarman 7th.
Art-style: Angkor wat & Bayon.
-Clearance work by Mr. Henri Marchal 1918-1919.
1, Background
The presence of Buddhist monks and nuns at this temple give it a feeling of an active place of worship Lintels pediments are laying on the ground that depicted religious scenes.
2, Layout
The central tower was made of sandstone stood on a high base with 3 levels and had 4 steep stairways and it opened to the 4 cardinal directions but today is in the poor condition. The temple was enclosed by a laterite wall is (50 meters for each sides) with an entry tower at the east (7 meters high) which contained 3 passages.
*East Part
-Pediment: Depicted Buddha (Apaya-mudra) is standing between his devotees.
-Lintel: Depicted a reclining Buddha (Nirvana).
-half pediment: Buddha received gift from elephant and a monkey in Palilay forest in India.
*West Part
-Pediment: Depicted Buddha and his wife Pimpea-yaso-dha-rea and his son Ra-hul-ku-ma were riding on elephants.
-Pediment: Buddha received milk from (So-chea-ta) daughter of millionaire.
-Pediment: Buddha is making a sermon to his devotees.
*North Part
-Pediment: Has a depiction of a standing Buddha with his hand resting on an elephant (Ni-la-kiri).
*South Part
-Pediment: Buddha received food from 2 merchant brothers Tapassu,Bhalluka.
-Pediment: Buddha went to the royal court of his wife but he looked sad and surrounded by his devotees. Well! In front of the east entry tower we see a seated Buddha “Pum-sahb-bah-mudra” is 0f a recent date. A terrace in front of the temple is in the shape of across and stands as an elegant example of the classic period of the Khmer art. Serpent balustrades flanked the terrace.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Khleangs Temple

2010-02-10T20:52:00.001-08:00

“The store House or Royal store”
Location: Khleang are located behind the 12 towers (Prasat Suor Prat) in front of the Terrace of the Elephants & Terrace of Leper King.
Access: Enter and leave it from the west entrance.
Date: End of the 10th century to the beginning of the 11th century.
King: Jayavarman 5th Suryavarman 1st (Nirvanapada).
Religion: Hinduism (Dedicated to god Siva).
Art-style: Khleangs.
-Clearance work by Mr. Jean Commaille 1908 & Mr.Henri Marchal 1919-1920.
(5th Paramaviraloka & 1st Paramaviravanapada).
1, Background
The North Khleang & south Khleang consisted a pair of lag sandstone towers that look quite grand against the jungle background.
They are similar in time layout style and decoration.
*According to the inscription suggests that “The South Khleang” was built slightly later then “The north Khleang”.
*Some scholars believed the name storehouse is in appropriate for these buildings and suggest they may have been built as (Reception Halls) for receiving the foreign dignitaries or princess.
2, Layout
Both Buildings are long rectangular structures with a porch in the shape of across in the middle of the eastside and west side. And window decorated with balusters.
- North-Khleang is 4.70 meters wide by 38 meters long. The workmanship of the architecture and decoration is more carefully executed than as the South Khleang (Jayavarman 5th).
- South-Khleang is 4.50 meters wide by 45 meters long and is unfinished but it stands on mould base (Suryavarman 1st).
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Suor Proat Temple

2010-02-10T20:51:00.001-08:00

Location: At the beginning of the road leading to victorious gate of Angkor Tom 1200 meters in front of (The Prasat Phimeanakas).
Access: Enter and leave the towers from the road at the west.
Date: End of the 12th century.
King: Jayavarman 7th (Mahaparamasansata Pada).
Religion: Buddhism.
Art-style: Bayon.
Clearance work (Mr. Jean Commaille 1908 &Mr. Henri Marchal 1919-1920).
1, Layout
Prasat Suor Proat means the towers of the cord-dancers. The temple consists a group of 12 laterits and sandstone towers which are rather worm out. They stand opposite to the Royal Palace symmetrically arranged on both side of the road to the victorious gate of Angkor Tom. According to Cambodian legend. The towers served as “anchoring places” for ropes which stretched from one tower to another towers for the acrobats performing at the festivals while the King and Queen observed the performance from The Terrace of The Elephants. This activity is reflected in the name of the towers (Said Chinese Diplomat Zhou Daguan in 1296). It was used as a “Court House” where the justice was dispensed. It was used as “The Royal Treasure”….. It served as “the Royal Depository” for the crown jewels or had served as “an altar” for each province on the occasion of the taking of the oath of loyalty of the king (Said Mr. Henri Marchal 22nd of January 1861).
2, Layout
Prasat Sur Proat has a row of 12 square laterite towers 6 towers on either side of the road leading to the victorious gate of Angkor Tom City parallel to the from of. (The Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper-King). The towers are made of laterite and sandstone opened to the west and had there windows on the there sides (North South and East).
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Thom Manon Temple

2010-02-10T20:49:00.000-08:00

Location: East of the victorious gate of Angkor Tom about 500 meters and north of the Chau Say Tévoda ‘temple’.
Access: Enter and leave it from the south entrance.
Date: End of the 11th century (first half of the 12th century).
King: Suryavarman 2nd
Religion: Hinduism (dedicated to god Vishnu)
Art-style: Angkor Wat.
Clearance work by Mr.Henri Marchal (1919-1920 & 1925-1927)
1, Background
The temple of Thommanon is similar in plan style and decoration to Chau Say Tévoda and close together.
2, Layout
Thommanon temple is rectangular in plan which a central tower is (20 meters in height)which stood on a low base (2.50 meters in height) and it had one door opened to the east but the other 3 sides used as the false-doors. This temple was surrounded by a late rite-wall is (45 meters wide by 60 meters long) which had 2 entry gate (east and west) that are in the shape of across but today is in a poor-conditioned state. In the courtyard we can see a library (3 meters wide by 3.7meters long) which stood on a base (1.10 meter in the height) that opened to the west side. Next to the wall there is a moat surrounded the entire complex but today it dries up.
3, Entry Tower
The central tower is decorated with female divinities (Apsaras) in niches and formerly opened to the east side.
*Pediment lintel: Depicted god Vishnu is riding on the Gruda (divine vulture).
*Pediment: (above the south door) is in a poor condition but it is recognizable it is showing Ravana (the demon king) with multiple arms and heads who trying to shake the mountain (Kailasa) where Siva lives. The main tower is (3 meters for each side) connecting a long hall is (3 meters wide by 6 meters long) opening to the east and inside the tower they found a linga (0.95 meter in high).
4, East gate
East gate formerly had 3 passages.
*North pediment: Depicted god Vishnu was prostrating 2 demons one of whom he clutches the hair.
5, West gate
It had a central passage and false-windows with balusters but today nothing left.*West pediment: Depicted god Vishnu is riding on the Garuda (divine vuture) and battling against the demons.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Chau Say Té Voda Temple

2010-02-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

Location: East of east gate (victorious gate) of Angkor Tom about 500 meters and south of the road and Thommanon ‘temple’.
Access: Enter and leave it from the north entrance.
Date: End of the 11th century (first half of the 12th century).
King: Suryavarman 2nd
Religion: Hinduism (dedicated to god Siva)
Art-style: Angkor Wat.
1, Background
Chau Say Tévoda & Thommanon are 2 small temples close together on the left side and the right side of the road and similar in plan and style.
2, Layout
Chau Say Tévoda is rectangular in plan which had a central tower is (2.80 meters for each side) opening to the east direction and connecting along hall (3.60 meters wide and 6.80 meters long). This temple which was surrounded by a late rite-wall (40 meters wide by 50 meters long) with 4 entry gate and in the courtyard of the wall close to the east gate there are 2 libraries opening to the west side.
3, Entry Tower
All the entry towers are mostly demolishes except for traces of the bases and stairways with the sculpted steps. A raised sandstone causeway stood on 3 rows of octagonal sandstone pillars that linked the east entry gate.
4, pediments (East gate)
- South pediment: depicted the combat of Sugriva & Vali (monkey king)
-North pediment: the Bas-reliefs showed the monkey and the god Siva and Parvati on a bull.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Ta Keo Temple

2010-02-10T20:40:00.001-08:00

(Ancestor Kéo)
Location: East of “thommanon & Chau Say Tévoda”
Access: Enter and leave the temple from the east and south entraces.
Date: End of the 10th temple from the early 11th century (1000).
King: Jayavarman 5th (968-1001) & Suryavaman 1st (1920-1922).
Religion: Hinduism (dedicated to god Siva).
Art-style: Khleangs.
Clearance work by Mr. Hinri Marchal & Charle Batteur (1920-1922).
Posthumous name: Paramaviraloka & Paramanirvana pada).
1, Background
Ta Kéo is one of the largest monuments in (Angkor Park) that was never finished and the reason is still unknown. One theory suggested the temple was hit by lightning. This temple separated the other monuments in the Angkor group because of the absence of decoration and especially the 5 towers were made of green sandstone which is brittle and another one said all the 5 towers were originally covered by the coating of copper but today nothing left.
2, Layout
Ta Kéo had a rectangular plan and stood on a high base with 5 level supported the 5 square towers 4 towers are at the corners and one tower is in the center of the plan. The temple had a steep stairway on each of the 4 side of the base. It was surrounded by moat but now dries up. There are 2 sandstone walls enclosed the temple. The first wall stood on the first level (2.2 meters in height) and the wall is (100 meters wide by 120 meters long) which had 4 entry gates that are in the shape of across. In the courtyard of the first wall there are 2 rectangular Sandstone halls (3 meters wide by 22 meters long) at the east side of the wall and serving for the pilgrims. The second wall (narrow gallery 1.50 meters wide) stood on the second level (5.5 meters in height) the wall is (75 meters wide by 80 meters long) which hand 4 entry gate in the shape of across. In the courtyard at the east side there are 2 rectangular sandstone halls that used as the same function of the first 2 halls in the first level. Next to these halls there are 2 libraries that opening to the west. They found the inscriptions on the east gate of the first wall and the second wall dated in A.D 1007 (end of the 10th to the early11thcentury) and referring to the sandstone inscription was found in the southern library dated in A.D 893 which was the reign of the king “yasovarman 1st” saying that the temple was built in the reign of king “Suryavarman 1st” (Madam Coral Remusat & Mr. Vitor Goloubew and Mr. George Soedès). According to these facts and to the texts of the inscriptions Mr. Soedès supposed that Ta Kéo symbolized the mountain (Hemakiri) “Golden Mountain” that used as “the Head Quarter of the Justice of the Mandarins” and another idea said it also used as “the Center of the City” (Ja-yen-dhra-nakari) of king Jayavarman 5th and later had taken up by king Suryavarman 1st. well! The third level is (47 meters for east side and 5.8 meters in height). And the fourth level is (35 meters for east side and 4.5 meters in height).the fifth level is (30 meters for side and 3.6 meters in height which supported the 5 towers). The total height is (21.6 meters) for 5levels.
3, Top Level
The supper level supported the 5 towers 4 towers are at the corners and one tower is in the center. The towers are without decoration and opening to the 4 directions.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Ta Promh Temple

2010-02-10T20:37:00.000-08:00

(Ancestor Prohm) “Srei-Jaya”
Location: South west of “East Mebom” and east of “Angkor Tom” Its outer wall is near the corner of “Banteay Kdei”
Access: Enter and leave the temple from the west or from the east.
Date: Middle of the 12th century to the early 13th century (1186)
King: Jayavarman 7th ( Mahaparamasangata pada)
Religion: Buddhism (dedicated to the king’s mother and her high priest called (Jaya-mango-latha).
Art-style: Bayon Temple.
Clearance work by (Mr. Henri Marchal 1920)
1, Background
Ta Prohm temple was one of the largest temples in the Angkor Park. It had been created by king Jayavarman 7 in the middle of the 12th to beginning 13th century (1186). It was dedicated to the mother of the king called (Jaya-rach-choa-dhearm-nhi) and her tutor (Jaya-mango-latha). According to the research of resent Cambodian scholars this temple was used as a University of the Buddhist monks or Royal Monastery (Srei-Chey). It was a flat temple which stood on a ground level and surrounded by 5 walls. The first wall is (600 meters wide by 1000 meters long) with 4 gate each one of which decorated with 4 stone smiling faces of “Avalokesvara” and is enclosed the whole area of about 60 hectares which has plenty of forest that is kept as the witness to the state in which they found the monuments of Angkor Park. The second wall is (125 meters wide by 145 meters long) with 2 gates and was surrounded by a moat. And the priests or the pilgrims and royal family used the other 3 walls as the galleries for their meditation. This temple contained 39 towers but most of them were ruined by the nature so that is why we can see the crumble-heaps of from sandstone are on the ground because this temple was left for many centuries and covered by jungle as fig tree Buddha tree Kapok tree and gum tree that spread their gigantic roots over the temple their branches and leaves intertwined to from the roof above the structures trunk of tree twisted among the stone pillars. According to the inscription could mention the temple was dedicating to the king mother that had the statue of a goddess (Pra-jna-paramita) as the symbol. She requested the king to erect 260 statue including tutor and predecessors 566 houses in stone and 286 houses in brick. Ta Prohm owned 3.140 villages and it took 79.365 people to maintain the temple included 18 nigh priests, 2.740 officials, 2.202 or 2.232 assistants and 615 women dancers. Among the property belonging to the temple there was a set of golden dishes weighting more then 500 kilograms and the silver dishes has the same weight 35daimonds 40.620 pearls and 4.540 precious stones 967 or 976 Chinese veils from China 512 bed-sheets from silk and 523 parasols. It also mentioned the number of people who had been in the courtyard of this temple there were 12.640.
2, Central Tower
It stood on a ground level and surrounded by 5 walls and opened to the 4 cardinal directions.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Ban Teay Kdie Temple

2010-02-10T20:29:00.000-08:00

The Citadel of the Monks
(Bha.vha.ta.tha.kot)
Location: South of Ta ProhmTemlpe.
Access : Enter and leave the monument from the east gate or west gate.
Date : Middle of the 12th century to the beginning of the 13th century (1181).
King : Jayavarman 7 (Mahaparmasangata pada).
Religion : Mahayana Buddhism.
Art-style: At least 2 different art periods (Angkor Wat & Bayon ).
Clearance work by (Mr. Henri Marchal & Charles Batteur in 1920-1922).
1, Background
Banteay kdei was a Buddhist Monastery of king Jayavarman 7 dating from the years 1181. It was a flat temple stood on the ground level and surrounded by 3 late rite walls. the first wall is (500 meters wide by 700 meters long ) with 4 gate each one of which had 4 stone smiling faces of “Lokesvara” the represented to the 4 Nobel Truths as are ( Charity, Compassion, Sympathy, Equanimity ) or represented to the 4 cardinal directions. On the both sides of each gate we could see the large sculpted figure of the “Garuda” that was the mount god “Vishnu” but also represented to the supporter of Khmer Kingdom. Well! This temple is still in the forest. Now we are in front of the east gate of the second wall which is (200 meters wide by 320 meters long) with 2 gates (east gate & west gate) but without 4 stone smiling faces. This wall was formerly surrounded by a moat which has plenty of water hyacinth duckweed lotuses…etc. The pediment on the east gate depicted a scene from “The Ramayana story”. In side the gate we see a big statue of Buddha from the same period of the temple. Later we walk through the gate we can a causeway which is bordered by sandstone handrail in front of “Nga” banisters and on the right we see a single building of sandstone with double rows of pillars but the roof was ruined. It was probably used as a later for offering something to the spirit. At the end of the causeway there is rectangular sandstone hall is known as (The Dancing Hall).Next to the hall in the courtyard we see by many pieces of stone carving collapsed. The third wall is (50 meters wide by 63 meters long) with 4 gates and it used as a gallery for meditation by the priests and pilgrims during the religion rites. The wall was originally encircled by another moat as we see it in the courtyard. In the courtyard of this wall they see some towers which were connected by halls amongst the towers there are 2 libraries on the left side and the right side of the main tower that opened to the west.
2, Main tower
It stood on a ground level and opened to the 4 cardinal directions. This tower formerly contained 2cells each one of which is (2.70 meters for each side) that kept the statue of Buhhda.
(Writing by kealy e-mail:kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Sras Srong Bath "Both Relife"

2010-02-10T20:21:00.000-08:00

“The Royal Bath”
Location: The road from the east entrance fo Banteay Kdei temple.
Access: Enter and leave Srah Srong from the road. Srah Srong is always with water and is surrounded by greenery.
Date: End of the 12th century.
King: Jayavarman 7th.
Religion: Buddhism.
Art-style: Bayon.
Clearance work by. (Mr. Henri Marchal 1920).
1, Background
Srah Srong is a large man-made body of water and surrounded by laterite stepe. It is (300 meters wide by 700 meters long) with an elegant landing terrace of superb proportion and scale. It was represented to the ocean in the religious belief. In the center of Srah Srong there was a small Buddhist chapel which covered by the timber roof. It formerly used by His Royal Majesty King Jayavarman 7 make his meditation for 3 months during celebration of the beginning of the Buddhist lent period until the celebration of the Buddhist lent. I mean right now in the Angkor period not today. Nowadays it is a poor condition. Today Srah Srong is very useful for the farmer who live around is. They could crow rice in the dry season by draining the water from Srah Srong to their farms by a pipe that we could is on the right of the terrace.
2, Layout
A majestic landing stage with stairs leads to the pond. Is was built by laterite and sandstone. The platform is in the Shape of rectangle. Well! On the both side of the stairway is flanked by 2 sandstone lions.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Kro Van Temple

2010-02-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

Location : East of Angkor Wat and south of Banteay Kdei.
Access : Enter and depart from the west entrance.
Trip : The Bas-reliefs of the towers are the best viewed in the morning when the light enters the doors from the east in the afternoon they are barely visible.
Date : Completed during the reign of king Harshavarman 1st it may have been built by a high court official in 921(First half of the 9th century)
Religion : Hinduism (Dedicated to Vishnu & Lakshmi)
Art-style: Ba kheng & Koh Ker (Koh Ker in the Kompong Tom commune).Clearance work by (Mr.Henri Marchal 1929-1931 & Mr.George Trouvé 1935).
Posthumous name: Rudraloka
1, Background
The main point interest at Prassat Kravan is the sculpture on interior of the 2 towers amongst the 5 towers depicting (Vishnu & his consort Lakshmi ) The carving on brick of the interior of the central tower and the north tower are unique in the Khker Art &.A Frenchman Mr. Bernard Philippe Grolier 1959-1960 reconstructed this temple.
He came to Cambodia in the year (1959-1972).
2, Layout
Kravan consisted a group of 5 large brick towers on stood low base and opened to the east. The columns lintels doorposts are of sandstone.
3, Central Tower
The central tower has impressive carvings on the interior wall. It is 3.50 meters for each side where a Linga on a pedestal used to be here. Well, According to the inscriptions on the doorpost told the date 921 for the statue of god (Vishnu) on the interior of the main tower. On the both sides of the main tower at the east side is decorated with the male guardians in niches and some chevrons. On the east lintel. Is adorned with a frieze of small heads. Inside the tower on the left depicted god. Vishnu in his Avatara Vamana gaining the world for the gods in his 3 steps. It is a standing image of Vishnu with 4 arms carried his attributes as are (a disk, a ball, a conch, a club) One of his feet rests on a pedestal near by a person is meditating and another one is walking on lotus holds by a woman on the background of undulating lines that representing the waves of the ocean .On the right god Vishnu is on the shoulders of Garuda between 2 worshippers. Facing Vishnu with 8 arms is framed with 6 registers of devotees. On the top is a giant lizard. This carving on brick was formerly coated with stucco and was probably highlighted with colors.
4, North Tower
It was dedicated to (Lakshmi) wife of (Vishnu). She had 4 arms carried her own attributes and flanked by 2 kneeling devotees.
5, South Tower
A lintel on the door depicted god Vishnu is riding on his vehicle Garuda.
(Writing by kealy e-mail: kealy.driver@gmail.com)

Angkor Wat Driver , Personal Guide & Siem Reap Tour Services

2009-06-08T00:20:00.000-07:00