Angkor Wat Temples - an introduction . . .

Baphuon   (mid 11th century)

Baphuon temple was built in the reign of King Udayadityavarman II (1050-66), and features some of the finest sculptures ever found in Angkor. The beautifully carved lintels, doorframes and columns are the main attraction of the Baphuon. However, the most striking beauty of Baphuon is its bas-relief that stretches for hundreds of yards. The long carved stone depicts scenes from Hindu mythologies (Mahabharata and Ramayana) and a scene of Suryavarman holding court. One feature to look out for is the large reclining Buddha on the west side added to the temple at a much later period. Unfortunately, much of the temple collapsed due to design flaws, however fortunately the main temple area is currently undergoing extensive restoration which means that not all of it is open to the public.

Bayon   (late 10th century)

The Bayon sits at the centre of Angkor Thom and is famed for the many giant stone faces which have become one of the most recognisable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture. Originally there were 54 towers each featuring four carved faces oriented toward the cardinal points (only 37 towers remain standing). Who the faces represent is a matter of debate but they may be Loksvara, Mahayana Buddhism's compassionate Bodhisattva, or perhaps a combination of Buddha and Jayavarman VII. The Bayon was Jayavarman VII's state-temple and in many ways represents the pinnacle of his massive building campaign. As well as the faces smiling down at you the Bayon features fascinating bas-reliefs on its exterior walls. Some of these bas-reliefs contain real-life scenes from the historical sea battle between the Khmers and the Cham, and others give a unique insight into Angkorian daily life depicting market scenes, cockfighting, chess games and childbirth.

Beng Mealea   (early 11th century)

Beng Mealea is a sprawling temple covering over one sq km and until recently was a slumbering giant lost for centuries in the jungles of Cambodia. The temple has been consumed by the voracious appetite of nature and is largely overrun by vegetation. Lying 75km east of Siem Reap it is lightly touristed, giving it an adventurous 'lost in the jungle' feel. With trees growing from broken towers and galleries Beng Mealea offers photographers some of the best 'tree in temple' shots aside from Ta Prohm. Constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style by the same king, Suryavarman II, that built Angkor Wat, Beng Mealea preceded and may have served as a prototype of sorts for Angkor Wat. Though there are some lintel and doorway carvings, there are no bas-reliefs and the carvings are comparatively sparse. When the temple was active the walls may have been covered with paintings and frescos. In its time Beng Mealea was at the crossroads of several major highways that ran to Angkor Wat, Koh Ker, Preah Vihear (in northern Cambodia) and to northern Vietnam. Beng Mealea is a half day trip in its own right - but well worth the experience.

East Mebon   (late 10th century)

The East Mebon is a small temple built in the reign of king Rajendravarman. Jayavarman IV, a usurper to the throne, moved the capital from Angkor to Koh Ker in 928AD. Sixteen years later Rajendravarman II returned the capital to Angkor and quickly constructed the East Mebon on an island in the middle of the now dry Eastern Baray, a thousand years ago the waters of the East Baray would have lapped around the temple's foundations. The temple is dedicated to Shiva in honor of the king’s parents. Inscriptions indicate that it was also built to help reestablish the continuity of kingship at Angkor in light of the interruption that occurred when the seat of power had been moved to Koh Ker.

Kbal Spean   (11th - 13th century)

Kbal Spean, the original 'River of a Thousand Lingas', is relatively new to many tourists due to its rugged terrain. Located on the holy mountain of Phnom Kulen, these 11th century intricate riverbed rock carvings are set in a secluded forest. As you approach a gallery of fine rock carvings gradually unfolds, including carvings of Vishnu reclining by a Naga (a giant serpent with multiple heads), Lakshmi, Rama and Hanuman. In the middle of the stream lie thousands of sculpted lingas or phallic images and a large underwater representation of a yoni(womb). These sculptures were lavishly made with a specific purpose - the lingas in the riverbed were to bless the stream of Kbal Spean that flows down through the city of Angkor, blessing its waters with fertility for the vitally important lowland rice fields. To reach the Kbal Spean riverbed carvings a 40 minute uphill trek is required, the path winds its way through knotted vines and big boulder formations and occasionally offers big views over the surrounding jungle.

Kleangs   (late 10th century)

The Kleangs are a series of rectangular sandstone buildings set opposite the Terrace of Elephants inside Angkor Thom. 'Kleang' means 'storeroom' but it is unlikely that this was the function of these structures. A royal oath of allegiance is carved into the doorway of one Kleang indicating that they may have served as reception areas or even housing for visiting noblemen and ambassadors. The North Kleang was built in wood under Rajendravarman II and then rebuilt in stone by Jayavarman V, probably before the construction of the South Kleang. The Kleangs are unremarkable upon close inspection but picturesque from a distance, they take on a delightful golden glow as the sunlight softens in the late afternoon.

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