PAILILAY TEMPLE, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Palilay (the word Palilay is derived from Palilay, the name of the forest where the Buddha lived. The local people believed that when Buddha lived in the forest, he was served by an elephant named Palilay) Temple is located north of Phineanakas temple and behind Tep Pranom. The temple was built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII’s father, King Dharanindravarman, called Paramanishkalapada (AD 1150-1160). Who was a Buddhist. The temple’s lintels and pediments lying on the ground afford a rear opportunity to see relief at eye level. Many depict Buddhist scenes with Brahmanism divinities.

Only the central sanctuary remains intact. The sandstone tower opens on four sides, each one with a porch. The tower stands on a base with three, tier intercepted by stairs on each side. The upper portion is collapsed and a truncated pyramid forms a cone which is filled with reused stones. The principle feature of interest at this temple is the Buddhist scenes defacement in the 15th century. The scene depicted are: east, a reclining Buddha reaching nirvana, south, a seated Buddha, which is especially beautiful in the mid-morning sun, north, a standing Buddha with his hand resting on an elephant.

NORTH AND SOUTH KLIANG

The North and Weat Kliang, storehouse, according to local people, the South Kliang is located south of the Victory Gate, and the North Kliang is north of the Victory Gate, are located behind Sour Proat Temple and facing the Terrace of the Elephants and the Leper King.

These sandstone temple were built in the late 10th century by King Jayavarman V and King Suryavarman I. The temple consists of a pair of place of large sandstone facade that look quite grand against a jungle background.

They are similar in time, layout, style and decoration, although inscription suggest that the South Kliang was built slightly later than the north one. Some scholars believe the name store-house is inappropriate for these temple and suggest they may have been reception halls or receiving foreign dignities.

The workmanship of the architecture and decoration of North Kliang is more carefully executed than that of the South Kliang. To the rear of the North Kliang there is a laterite with high levels windows which encloses smaller halls in the courtyard.

The long rectangular structure of South Kliang, however, is unfinished, but it stands on a molded platform. The interior decoration is limited to a frieze under the cornice.

NEAK PEAN TEMPLE

Neak Pean, the coiled nagas, temple is located east of Preah Khan and about 300 meters off the road. The temple is in the center of Jayatataka or Northern Baray and laced on the same axis as Preah Kahan. It was built in the second half of the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. The temple seems to have served as a place where pilgrims could go and the waters, both physically and symbolically–the Khmer equivalent of a spa.

The central pond is a replica of Lake Anavatapta in the Himalayas, situated at the top of the universe, which gives birth to the four great rivers of the earth. These rivers are represented at Neak Pean by sculpted gargoyles corresponding to the four cardinal points. Neak Pean was probably consecrated to the Buddha coming to the glory of enlightenment. Neak Pean temple is set in a large, square, man-made pond which is 70 meters square bordered by steps and surrounded a steeped base of seven laterite tiers, is in the center of the large square pond, and forms the base for the shrine dedicated to Avalokitshavara.

Small elephants sculpted in the round originally stood on the four corners of the pond. The bodies of two nagas encircle the base of the island and their tails entwine on the west side which give temple name. the head of the nagas are separated to allow passage on the east. A blooming lotus surrounds the to of the platform, while lotus petals decorate the base.

The central sanctuary is cruciform shaped, stands on two recessed levels, opens to the east and is crowned with a lotus. The three other false doors are decorated with large image of the Avalokiteshavara. The fronton depict episodes of the life of the Buddha–the cutting of the hair (east), the great departure (north), Buddha in meditation protected by a naga (west).

The principal feature in the pond of the central sanctuary is a three-dimensional sculpted horse swimming towards the east with figures clinging to its sides. The horse, Balaha, is a manifestation of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who has transformed himself into a house to rescue Simhala, a merchant, and his companions of misfortune.

They were ship-wrecked on an island off Sri Lanka and snatched by female ogresses. The victims are holding on to the horse’s tall in the hope of being carried ashore safely. There are our small chambers which have vaulted roofs and back onto the main pond, then open onto four small ponds with steps leading to the water.

The interior of the vault is decorates with panels of lotus and a central waterspout in the form of an animal or human in the center.

MONGKUL LEAT TEMPLE

Mongkul Leat Temple is in the forest, about 900 meters south of the Victory Gate. This sandstone temple was built between the late 13th and early 14th centuries, according to temple inscription, the temple was dedicated to a Brahman named Chey Mongkul Leat and to his mother. Chey Mongkul Leat was a teacher of King Krintravaran.

KRAVAN TEMPLE

Kravan, the cardamom. The exact original name of the temple is not known. Local people call this temple Kravan because there are many Kravan flowers growing nearby. Temple is aromatic flower whose petals are similar to but smaller then, Romdul, temple is located east of Angkor Wat and south of Banteay Kdei.

The temple was built in 921 during the reign of King Harshavarman I43 (AD 910-923), dedicated to Vishnu Brahmanism. It may have been built in high court officials. Although this temple look small and somewhat undistinguished from the outside, it contains some remarkable brick sculptures on its interior walls which stand alone as unique example in Khmer art.

The interior of two of the five tower has sculptures depicting Vishnu and his consort, Lakshmi, the scene is the central tower is the most impressive, but both are exceptional in statue and quality of workmanship.

The five brick towers are in a row on one platform which is decorate with carved, sandstone, lintels and columns. All the tower open to the east.

EAST MEBON TEMPLE

East Mebon temple is about 500 meters northeast of Pre Rup temple. The temple was built in AD 952 by King Rajendravarman.

The temple is similar to Pre Rup in plan, construction and decoration. A major difference, however, is that the east Mebon once stood on a small island in the middle of Yasodharatataka (the East Baray).

The only access was by boat to one of the four landing platforms, situated at the mid-points on each of the four sides of the temple. The decoration on the lintels of the temple is superior in quality of workmanship and composition to that of Pre Rup.

The motifs on the false doors, with small mythical figures frolic king amongst foliage, are particularly fine.

BAYON TEMPLE IN SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

The Bayon Temple is located in the center of Angkor Thom. The temple is one of the most popular sites in the Angkor complex. It was built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII.

The architectural composition of the Bayon exudes grandness in every aspect. Over 200 large faces carved in the 54 towers give this temple its majestic character, which at that time represents the 54 provinces in debated by scholars and some think they represent the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, in keeping with the Buddhist character of the temple, it is generally accepted that the four faces on each o the towers are images of King Jayavarman VII and signify the omnipresence of the King.

The plan of the Bayon is presented on three separate levels. The first and second levels contain galleries featuring the bas-reliefs.

A 16-sides central sanctuary dominates the third level, which is cruciform in plan. Despite this seemingly simple plan, the layout of the Bayon is complex due to later addition, a maze of galleries, passage and steps, connected in a way that makes the levels practically indistinguishable and creates dim lighting, narrow walkways and ceiling. Besides the architecture and the smiling faces, the highlight of Bayon is undoubtedly the bas-reliefs.

The bas-reliefs on the inner gallery are mainly mythical scenes, whereas those on the outer gallery are a marked departure from anything previously seen at Angkor. They are unique and contain genre scenes of everyday life–markets, fishing, festivals with cockfights and jugglers and so on–and historical scenes with battles and processions. The bas-relies are more deeply carved than at Angkor Wat.

But the representation is less stylized. The scene are presented mostly in two or three horizontal panels. The lower one, with an unawareness of the law of perspective, shows the foreground, whereas the upper tier presents scene of the horizon. they both exhibit a wealth of creativity. Description of the bas-reliefs in this guide follow the normal route for viewing the Bayon.

They begin in the middle of the east gallery and continue clockwise. Visitors should keep the monument on their right.

BAPHUON TEMPLE, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Baphuon temple, originally called Treiphuveakchonamony and later was known as Phounvan and then Phuon. The word Treiphuovan means someone who Puon in English means to hide, is west of the road to the Dei Chhnang Gate and near the Bayon temple. The temple was built in the 11th century, around 1060, by King Udayadatiyavarman II (AD 1050-1066), dedicating to Brahmanism. The highlight of the temple is a bas-reliefs, which differ fro most others as they are vignettes carve in small stone square set one above the other on the temple walls, similar to tiling.

Unfortunately few of these are visible because of the poor states of the temple. Baphuon is a single temple-mountain sanctuaries situated on a high bas symbolizing Mount Meru. A rectangular sandstone wall measuring 425 by 125 meter encloses the temple.

A special feature is the 200 meters long elevated eastern approach supported by three rows of short. Round columns forming a bridge to the main temple. Originally, a central tower shrine with four porches crowned the peak, but it collapsed long ago. The first, second and third levels are surrounded by concentric sandstone galleries.

BANTEAY SREI THE TEMPLE CREATED BY WOMEN

Banteay Srei57 Temple is located in Banteay Srei village, Banteay Srei commune, Banteay Srei district, about 32 kilometers from Siem Reap provincial town. The temple was built in the second half of the 10th century during the reign of King Rajendravarman and King Jayavarman V, dedicating to Brahmanism.

The special charm of this temple lies in its remarkable state of preservation, small size and excellence of decoration. Some unanimous archaeologists say that Banteay Srei is a precious gem and a jewel in Khmer art. Banteay Srei, as it is known by locals, was originally called Isvarapura, according to inscription. It was built by a Brahmin of royal descent who was spiritual teacher to King Jayavarman V. a special feature of the exquisite decoration was use of hard pink sandstone ( quartz arenite) which enabled the technique of sandstone carving.

Architectural and decorative feature of Banteay Srei are unique and exceptionally fine. A tapestry-like background of foliage cover the walls of the structures in the central group as if a deliberate attempt has been made to leave no space undecorated. The architecture is distinguished by triple superimposed frontons with relief narrative scenes carved in the tympanums, terminal motifs on the frames of the arches, and standing figure in the niches. Panels are its execution has a liveliness compared to the rest of Angkor this is in miniature. The door of the central towers of architectures and decoration make up or any shortcomings in size.

The temple is rectangular in plan and enclosed by three ramparts and a moat. Only two of the ramparts are visible. The central area of the temple is the most important and the most beautiful. It is surrounding by the brick rampart has almost entirely collapsed. However, there are remnants on either side of the walkway in the central courtyard opening to the west.

The three shrines arranged side by side in a north to south line standing on a common, low platform and opening to the east. The principle shrine in the central contained Shiva lingam, the shrine on the south was dedicated to Brahma, where as the one on the north honors Vishnu. All three central shrine are of a simple form with miniature replicas of the shrines are guarded by sculptures of mythical figure with human torsos and animal heads kneeling at the base of the stairs leading to the entrance. most of these figures are copies, the originals have been removed for safe-keeping.

BANTEAY SAMRE TEMPLE

Banteay Samre temple is about 400 meters east of East Baray, about 2 kilometers from Pradak village and south of the road from Pradak to Phnom Bok. The temple was built in the middle of the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, dedicating to Vishnu Brahmanism.

The Proportions of Banteay Samre are Splendid. A unique feature is an interior moat with laterite paving, which when filled with water must have given an ethereal atmosphere to the raised base with horizontal moldings, dedicated in some areas with figures framed by lotus buds. The plan of the temple is roughly square and consists of a laterite rampart with our gopura. Behind the wall, overlooking the enclosed moat, east gopuras on each side.

The central courtyard contains the main sanctuary, which has four wings and is approached by a long hall with libraries on each side. The laterite, paved causeway is 200 meters which leads to the east gopura providing access though the outer rampart of the monument. The causeway, on two levels of Angkor Wat, of which only vestiges remain. The end of on short columns. The long and dramatic causeway was probably covered with a wooden roof.

BANTEAY KDEY TEMPLE

Banteay Kdey temple is located southeast of Ta Prohm. The temple was built in the latter half of the 12th and early 13th centuries by King Jayavarnan VII. The temple is similar in art and architecture of Ta Prohm, but it is smaller and less complex.

It is unknown to who this temple was dedicates as the inscription stone has never been found. According to archaeologist, the original basic plan of the temple including a central sanctuary, a surrounding gallery and a passageway connected to another gallery.

A moat enclosed the temple another rampart which is 700 by 500 meters is made of laterite ad has four gopuras in the Bayon style, each with four faces looking in the cardinal directions, and garudas placed at the corner of each gopura, a favorite design of King Jayavarman VII.

These gopuras are of the same style as those at Ta Prohm. Research conducted by the University of Sofia has indicated that this temple was built on another older temple, a evidenced by a foundation base found under Banteay Kdey temple. Archeology believe the foundation may be related to Kod village during the reign of King Jayavarman II.

BAKSEI CHAMKRONG TEMPLE

Baksei Cham Krong11 Temple located about 150 meters north of Phnom Ba Kheng. The temple was perhaps begun construction by King Harsharvarman I12 (AD 91-944) and completed by King Rajandravaran13 (AD 944-968), dedicating Shiva Brahmanism.

Inscriptions on the door reveal the date of the temple and mention a golden image of Shiva and the mythical founder of the Khmer civilization. The temple is a simple plan with a single tower on top of a square, four tiered laterite platform. Three levels of the base are undecorated, but the top platform has horizontal molding around it that sets off the sanctuary.

A square central brick tower stands on a sandstone base shape like a cone. It has door opening to the east with three false doors on the other sides, which are in remarkably good condition. Most of the lintels are in poor condition, but, on the east, Indra riding a three-headed elephant is still recognizable and is finely carved. The interior of the tower has a sunken floor and a corbelled vault.

ANGKOR THOM THE WORLD WONDER TEMPLE

Angkor Thom, the last capital Angkor Period (AD 802-1432) until the 15th century, was indeed a Great City as it named implies, and it served as a religious and administrative center of the vast and powerful Khmer Empire. The capital of Jayavarman VII16 (AD 1181-1220), Angkor Thom is a microcosm of the universe divided into four parts by the main axes. Bayon temples as the symbolic link between and earth. The wall enclosing the city Angkor Thom represents the stone wall around the universe and the mountain ranges around Meru. The surrounding moat suggests the cosmic ocean. This symbolism is reinforced by the presence of god Indra on his mount, the three-headed elephant.

Angkor Thom is enclosed by an 8-meters-high laterite rampart that is laid on a square grid of 3 kilometers long on each side. A moat with a width of 100 meters surrounds the outer wall. The city is accessed along five great causeways, one in each cardinal direction–Death Gate (east), Dei Chhnang17 Gate (south)–plus an additional Victory Gate on the east aligned with the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. A tall gopura distinguished by a superstructure of four faces bisects the wall in the center of each side.

Four small temple, all called Chhrung19 temple, stand at each corner of the wall around the city of Angkor Thom. Made of sandstone and designed in a cross plan, the temple built by King Jayavarman VII to worship Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara20 . an inscription tells about its construction.

The stone causeways across the broad moat surrounding Angkor Thom with their unique gopuras, are one of the great sights at Angkor, never ceasing to fill visitors with wonder. The causeways leading to the gopura are flanked by a row of 54 stone figures on each side–gods on the left and demons on the right–to make a total of 108 mythical beings guarding each of the five approaches to the city of Angkor Thom. The demons have a grimacing expression and wear a military headdress, whereas the gods look serene with their demons hold the scaly body of a naga on their knees. This composition defines the full length of the causeway. At the beginning of the causeway, the naga spreads its nine heads in the shape of a fan.

The five sandstone gopuras rise 23 meters to the sky and is crowned with our heads, one facing each cardinal direction. At the base of each gate are finely modeled elephants with three heads. Their trunks are plucking lotus lowers, in theory out of the moat. The god Indra sites at the center of thunderbolt in his lower left hand. Stand in the center of the mains of wooden crossbeams are still visible in some of the gopuras. Beneath the crossbeams are visitor can see the corbelled arch, a hallmark of Khmer architecture.

ANGKOR WAT THE WORLD WONDER TEMPLE

Angkor Wat is located about 7 kilometers north of Siem Reap provincial town along Komai or Charles De Gaul Road. The temple was built in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II2 (AD 1113-1150) is unrivaled in its beauty and state of preservation. It is an expression of Khmer art at its highest point of development.

Some believed Angkor Wat was designed by Divakaraandita, the chief adviser and minister of the king, dedicating to Vishnu Brahmanism. The Khmers attribute the building of Angkor Wat to the divine architect Visvakarman. There has been considerable debate amongst scholars as to whether Angkor Wat was built as a temple or a tomb.

Angkor Wat, according to Cœdés, is a replica of the universe in stone and represents an earthly model of the monument symbolizing the mythical Mount Meru, situated at the peaks of Meru, the outer wall to the mountains at the edge of the world, and the surrounding moat in the oceans beyond.

Originally, the temple was called Prasat Paramavishnuloka. However, the evolution of the name Angkor Wat can be drawn by history. The first proof existed in the 16th century, when the temple become a well-known Buddhist place. According to a 16th century inscription, its name was Preah Mohanokor Indrabrat Preah Visnuloka. In a 17th inscription , it was called Indrabratnokor Sreisodhara Vishnuloka3. Angkor Wat was a simple name to refer to this holy place. Khmer people, especially those living in and around Siem Reap, often refer to Angkor Toch. However, European authors decided on a common name, Angkor Wat. Nevertheless, its original name has not been forgotten and is known by many people.

Angkor Wat covers a rectangular area of about 200 hectares defined by a laterite rampart which is surrounded by a moat that is 200 meters wide. The perimeter of the rampart measures 5,5 kilometers. The moat is crossed by a huge causeway built of sandstone blocks 250 meters high. With its massive built by the gods rather than by man.

The temple begins with a sandstone terrace in the shape of a across. Giant stone lions on each side of the terrace guard the monument. End of the causeways at the gopura4 with trees towers of varying heights, of which much of the upper sections have collapsed. A long, covered gallery with square columns and a vaulted roof extends along the moat to the left and right of the gopura.

The causeway leads to the cruciform gopura or entry towers. The gateways at ground level in each end of the gallery probably served as passages for elephants, horses, and carts, whereas the other entrances are accessed by step and lead onto the central promenade. From the entrance turn right and walk along the columned gallery to the end, where the quality of the carving and intricacy of decoration on the false door is of exceptional beauty.