Preah Khan Kompong Svay

Preah Khan (local name Prasat Bakan ) is a Khmer temple complex in the Cambodian province of Preah Vihear in Kompong Svay district, north of Kampong Thom. It is the largest temple complex of Angkor time, but not to be confused with the temples of Angkor.

History

He was justified by Suryavarman I. (1001-1050), the to the south of present-day Laos expanded his empire, the main group of temples is dated to the 12th century and probably dates from the time of Suryavarman II ( 1113-1150 ). Most of the temples show the Bayon style from the end of the century under Jayavarman VII ( 1181 to 1215 ), who retired some time here during the war against the Cham.

Design

The outer rim is approximately square over four kilometers long on each side. Inside are four temples groups and numerous outbuildings, some temples are also located outside this range. A three-kilometer Baray extending across the enclosure half to the east addition. It is up to a larger lake in the eastern area dry. Directly on the east end of the Baray is surrounded by a Lateritmauer, the little Preah Damrei ( "Elephant Temple " ) from the 9th century. The free-standing stone sculpture of an elephant is revered by the local population, another elephant looks out of the southeast corner of the enclosure. Worth seeing are the reliefs on the exterior walls, the Nagas with Garuda and Apsaras ( celestial nymphs) are show. On both sides of the east entrance Devatas are life-size ( lower sky goddesses to guard ).

At the western end of the Baray is the Prasat Preah Stung within its own enclosure wall with gopurams. In the center of the complex from the 11th century stands on a terrace with semi-plastic - reliefs Hamsa ( goose, indian animal symbol for harmony), a temple tower with four faces, as they are known from the Bayon in Angkor. The cruciform sandstone temple of Preah Thkol, also Mebon Temple ( island), formerly stood on an island in the middle of the Baray. The inner corners of the tower are designed with large elephants and Garuda.

The main group of temples dating from the 12th century in the center is entered through the eastern gopuram. In the midst of rubble remains is a large four- faces - tower.

The temple was first consecrated to Vishnu, the Mahayana Buddhism was Jayavarman VII, as well as in Angkor introduced. In the 1870s, has taken away from the temples Louis Delaporte valuable sculptures. You are now on display in Guimet Museum in Paris. Looting have most of the buildings left behind collapsed. You can check in (only in the dry season ) on dirt roads from Siem Reap Kompong Thom or.