Bakong - Roluos, Siem Reap

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13 Feb 2014

Bakong is located in Roluos.  We went there from Preah Ko. It was built in late ninth century by king Indravarman I dedicated to Siva in the art style of Preah Ko.  Bakong was the center of the town of Hariharalaya, a name derived from the god Hari-Hara which was a synthesis of Shiva and Visnu.   The temple represents Mount Meru.

Bakong was built in a shape of stepped pyramid or temple mountain.   It has 5 levels leading to the Central Sanctuary of mythical beings (Nagas, Garudas, Raksasas and Yaksas).  It was treated as the state temple for Angkor for only a few years.  Yasovarman I moved the capital to Angkor and a new temple mountain Bakheng was built. But Bakong was not abandoned as additions from the 12th and 13th century were made.  The splendid design such as large stone statues of elephants at the corners of the three lower levels of the pyramid and lion statues guarding the stairways suggest the complex must be important and beautifully constructed.  But the more delicate art deteriorated with the time goes by. 


Photos here are in order from far to close, from ground ascending to the top.  A scene of the lake surrounding it is shown at the end. 

 
 
 
 
 
 








Location: Roluos, Cambodia

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