Siem Reap Vistior Guide 59th

angkor

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R)asaTXø aM gxageCI g ni gXø aM gxagt,Ú g

Kleangs (North and South) t

Constructed: Late 10th - Early 11 th century C.E. Religion: Hindu King/Patron: Jayavarman V Style: Kleang Rectangular sandstone buildings set opposite the Terrace of Elephants , behind the Prasat Suor Prat . ‘Kleang’ means ‘storeroom’ but it is unlikely that this was its actual function. A royal oath of allegiance carved into the doorway indicates 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 . It also contains the best preserved carvings. The South Kleang was never completed. The Kleangs are unremarkable upon close inspection but picturesque from a distance, standing among the Prasat Suor Prat . Best photographed in the afternoon.

R)asaTeRkaleKa Religion: Buddhist

Krol Ko t

Constructed: Late 12 t century C.E. King/Patron: Jayavarman VII Style: Bayon A small temple with a single central tower surrounded by two laterite walls. Pediments displaying the most interesting carvings at the site are on the ground along the enclosure wall. Krol Ko is comparatively untouristed, offering a peace- ful respite. Religion: Hindu (Shiva) King/Patron: Jayavarman II, Rajendravarman II Style: Preah Ko, Pre Rup Prasats in a severe state of ruin. Some carving visible. Kutisvara was mentioned in an inscription in connection with the 9th century during the reign of Jayavarman II, the founder of the Angkor Empire. The central tower displays Preah Ko style. The outer towers are in Pre Rup style. Kutisvara t R)asaTKu Ti sV ar³ Constructed: 9th-10th century C.E. Constructed: Late 12 th century C.E. King/Patron: Jayavarman VII Style: Bayon A small island temple located in the middle of the last baray to be constructed by a Khmer king in the Angkor area ( Preah Khan Baray or Jayatataka ). The central temple sits at the axis of a cross or lotus pattern of eight pools. Originally known as Rajasri, Neak Pean took its modern appellation, which means ‘coiled ser- pents,’ from the encoiled nagas that encircled the temple. The temple is faced by Religion: Buddhism Neak Pean tt R)asaTnaKB½ næ

a statue of the horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors. Though originally dedicated to Buddha, Neak Pean con- tains several Hindu images. Neak Pean may have served an absolution function, and the waters were thought to have healing properties. During the dry season when the water is low, check out the animal and human head- water spouts at the outside center of each pool. Neak Pean is most photogenic in the wet season when the pools are full.

Phimeanakas tt R)asaTPi manGakas Constructed: Late 10 th - Early 11 th century C.E . Religion: Hindu King/Patron: Jayavarman V Style: Kleang

Impressive laterite and sandstone pyramid. The lack of surviving carvings leaves it artistically uninteresting, but it is the tallest scalable temple in Angkor Thom , providing a nice view from the top. The western staircase (at the back) is the most easily ascended. Located inside the ancient Royal Palace compound, Phimeanakas served as the king’s temple. Legend has it that the golden tower crowned the temple and was inhabited by a serpent, which would transform into a woman. The kings of Angkor were required to make love with the serpent every night, lest disaster befall him or the kingdom.

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