Phnom Chisor

Phnom Chisor ( in Khmer: ប្រាសាទភ្នំជីសូរ ) is an ancient temple of the Khmer in the district Samraong, Takéo province, in the southeast of Cambodia. In 1973, the area of ​​Phnom Chisor was devastated by a U.S. bombing raid.

Location

Phnom Chisor is located 65 km south of the capital Phnom Penh in the village of Sla, community Rovieng.

Architectural History

Phnom Chisor was in the 11th century at the behest of King Suryavarman I (reigned 1002-1049 ) built and later expanded and renovated many times. Originally called the Temple Suriyaparvata ( "Mountain of Surya ", the sun god of the Hindus ) and Shiva and Vishnu was dedicated.

System and architecture

From the Tonle Om, the Baray (water reservoir ) of the temple, leads an aligned in east-west direction road to two goals and then to a cross-shaped staircase of laterite, which leads to the hill. Along this path lies Son Reveang, a system that is currently used as a Buddhist temple.

The complex itself consists of a central shrine made of laterite brick with pilasters, pediments and lintels of carved sandstone. The central shrine is surrounded by five smaller shrines and two Mondops (libraries ).