Cambodia

Guide to Temple in Siem Reap

History And Chronology Of The Temples Of Angkor

Beginning of the Christian era, Chinese texts already referred to Fou-Nan, the first denomination of what was later to become the Kingdom of Cambodia. The geographical location of the country made it a natural stop over between India and China and this contact with the two large Asiatic civilizations was to assure its rapid transformation.  

From the 3rd to the 5th century, the Kingdom of Fou-Nan acquired a large territorial boundary. Rich and powerful, it maintained steady relations with the Chinese, a fact proven by numerous ambassadorial missions. Towards the 6th century the kingdom divided into two rival states, the coastal or lower Chen-La comprising Cochinchina and the inland or upper Chen-La corresponding to the territories situated to the north. During this period, the lower Chen-La suffered invasion from Java and Sumatra. Indeed from Java at the beginning of the 9th century came the King to establish the unity of the Kingdom and initiate the “Angkorian period”. Ruling under the name of Jayavarman II, he proclaimed Cambodia’s independence from Java and established the siege of his state in Roluos. The first half of the 12th century was dominated by the reign of one of the principal kings of Cambodia Suryavarman II whose immense architectural realization of Angkor was to mark the apogee of classical Khmer art. After having being allied with the Chams against the Annamites, he then turned against them, winning a brilliant victory. Revenge was not long to come and in 1177 a surprise attack by the Chams ended in the sacking of Angkor, followed by general devastation. The invader where expelled by Jayavarman VII who was crown king in 1181 and raised Cambodia from its ruins. He completely reconstructed Angkor Thom, built Preah Khan, Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei. However, after the death of this last great king, at the beginning of the 13th century, the kingdom fall into inertia and in the 15th century, Angkor was abandoned and the kings established their new capital on the banks of the lower Mekong.

9th CENTURY

Roluos Group (Hariharalaya) Hindu

The monuments of the Roluos Group are located 15 km east of Siem Reap. It was called Hariharalaya and used as the first capital of the King Jayavarman II during the 9th century. as well as his son Jayavarman III. The surrounding temples of Bakhong, Preah Kho and Lolei were built during the reign of Indravarman I and his son. They represent the beginning of Khmer classical art.

9th TO 10th CENTURY

Phnom Bakheng

Phnom Bakheng is the first mountain temple built in the near vicinity of Angkor. Yacovarman I, son of Indravarman I, had built his capital around this hill.

Prasat Kravan (921) Hindu (Vishnu)     

The Prasat is composed of 5 bricks tower \s and was built by Hashavarman I. Two of these towers are decorated with bas-reliefs representing Vishnu and other representations of Lakshmi.

Baray Oriental & Mebon Oriental (952) Hindu (Shiva)

The Baray Oriental reservoir was built under Yacovarman I. It measures 1800 by 7000 meters and was filled by the Siem Reap River.Later, Rajendravarman erected the Mebon Oriental. Harnessed stone elephants guard the base of this mountain.

Pre Rup (961) Hindu (Shiva)

The temple, composed of laterite and brick, is similar to the Mebon Oriental.

Phimeanakas Hindu (Shiva)

This small pyramid temple, located in the middle of the Royal Enclosure, was built under the Rajendravarman II period. Its name means “Celestial Palace”.

Banteay Srei (967) Hindu (Shiva)

Considered as the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer art, this small temple was erected under the reign of Jayavarman VII. Made of rose-colored sandstone, its walls are exquisitely carved and its bas-reliefs are among the most accomplished of Angkor. The temple has been extraordinarily well preserved.

11th CENTURY

Takeo   Hindu (Shiva)

This mountain temple, built under Jayavarman V, is an imposing pyramid and one of the first Angkorian monument built entirely in sandstone. Its decoration was never completed.

Baphuon Hindu (Shiva)

It was the city center in the 12th century, built by Udayadityavarman II, prior to the construction of Angkor Thom. The wall on the second level of the west side was fashioned into a reclining Buddha of 40 meters. The temple just reopened for visit after having been restored by the Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Orient.

Angkor Vat Hindu (Vishnu)            

Its unusual orientation to the West is explained by the fact Suryavarman II dedicated it to Vishnu. It is the most famous temple of Angkor. Its design replicates the spatial universe in miniature, composed of the Mount Meru, surrounded by the continents and the oceans. Its 800 meters long series of bas-reliefs depicts epic events of Khmer history and myths.

Banteay Samre Hindu (Vishnu)  

Built by Suryavarman II, its well preserved bas-reliefs depict scenes of Vishnu and Krishna legends.

Ta Prohm (1186) Buddhist 

Found in the 19th century by Henri Mouhot, the temple appears now a day as the French explorer saw it the first time. Jayavarman VII dedicated this temple to his mother. It is a temple of towers, close courtyards and narrow corridors, which are often impassable because of the vegetation and the large trees that give the temple its unique character.

Banteay Kdei Buddhist    

Also built by Jayavarman VII the structure is surrounded by 4 concentric walls. Garudas decorate its four entrances. The inside of the central tower was never finished.

Srah Srang

This artificial lake was used for ritual bathing by royals.

Preah Khan (1191) Buddhist    

The “Sacred Sword,” was built by Jayavarman VII for his father. It covers a very large area, 700 by 800 meters, elaborated lintels and panels are richly decorated with bas-reliefs depicting Buddhist motifs and Hindu epics. The temple is under the protection of the World Monument Fund.

Neak Pean  Buddhist      

It was built by Jayavarman VII and was used for ritual purification. Four smaller square pools arranged on each axis. In the center of the main one is a circular island encircled by 2 nagas.

Bayon Buddhist    

Located in the exact center of the city of Angkor Thom, the Bayon was built by Jayavarman VII. 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara make its unique character. Its very well preserved bas-reliefs represent the everyday life of the 12th century.

Elephants Terrace Buddhist

Built under Jayavarman VII, it was a viewing platform from which kings and their courts watched military displays of pomp and pageantry.

It measures 350 meters and is decorated with carvings, including elephants in hunting scenes, garudas and lions.

Terrace Of The Leper King Buddhist

Built under Jayavarman VII, this seven meter high platform hosts a statue of what was thought to be the Leper King. In fact, it is a representation of Yama, the god and judge of the dead. Stunning carvings, adorning the walls on both sides, cover the walkway.

Beng Melea Buddhist

Nestled in the jungle, the temple is largely overrun by vegetation. Constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style, the temple was built in the early 11 century and may have served as a prototype of sorts for Angkor Wat.

Koh Ker Hindu

Remote temple established by Jayavarman IV as a rival capital to Angkor in the 10th century. It may have been the capital for just 15 years. The most impressive temple at Koh Ker is Prasat Thom, a giant pyramid spanning seven levels, offering major views of the surrounding country.

Preah Vihear Hindu

The mountaintop temple of Preah Vihear occupies a truly breathtaking location, on the top of the Dangrek Mountains. Considered so sacred, many kings left their mark from Yasovarman I (889-910) and Suryavarman III (1002-1050) to the great Suryavarman II (1113-1150). Preah Vihear has been claimed by neighboring Thailand on numerous occasions. It was awarded to Cambodia by an International Court ruling in 1962.

Banteay Chhmar Buddhist

It is an immense temple complex constructed by Jayavarman VII, Cambodia'most dedicated builder. This temple would have been the centre of a major city in the 13th century. Left to the jungle for years, it has only recently been cleared, revealing superb carvings on its outer walls, as well as the enigmatic faces of Avalokiteshvara, also seen on Bayon Temple.