The Beginning of Khmer Art - Bakong Temple.

Bakong Temple is the largest and most important temple in the Rolous Group, located about fifteen kilometers east of Siem Reap city, and is part of the outer circuit. Bakong Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva, built by King Indravarman I. Before constructing Bakong Temple, this royal temple, Indravarman I first built the ancestral temple Preah Ko to honor the former kings of the Angkor dynasty, Jayavarman II and Jayavarman I, as well as their parents, and then in 881, he constructed this first temple mountain - Bakong Temple, which is also the first known temple in the Angkor dynasty to use sandstone blocks instead of bricks. Bakong Temple is the first temple architecture designed with the concept of Mount Meru as the center of the universe. Its main structure is a five-tiered square pyramid, with the base side measuring 65 meters. The five tiers represent the deities and demons of the five realms in Indian mythology, including Garuda, Yakshas, Naga, Rakshasas, and the Maharajas at the top. Since the temple's architecture and carvings were made of stone, they are relatively well-preserved, and the carvings are easily recognizable, making restoration easier. However, after over a thousand years of natural and man-made disasters, Bakong Temple had become a ruin. French monument restoration experts began restoring Bakong Temple in 1936, and after seven years of effort, it was largely restored to its original appearance by 1943. The steep staircase leading to the top of Bakong Temple allows visitors to reach the 15-meter-high pagoda at the summit, which is highly recognizable and can be seen from a distance. However, upon closer inspection, the architectural style of this pagoda is quite different from the original period. Scholars speculate that this top pagoda was added in the 12th century by King Yasovarman II, three hundred years after the original construction, hence the difference in architectural style. Climbing to the top of Bakong Temple is not easy; in addition to the steep stairs, the steps become smaller as one ascends, making it quite challenging. However, if one can reach the top platform, the effort is worthwhile, as the view of the Bakong Temple complex below is especially magnificent. In addition to the main structures mentioned above, the highlights of Bakong Temple that should not be missed, and are also the easiest to overlook, include its carvings. Bas-relief decorations abound on the outer walls, triangular pediments, and so on, depicting various Hindu mythological stories. The most worthy of viewing here are the stories carved on the four door lintels of the top pagoda, including carvings of the god Shiva, Vishnu, the Hindu creation myth of the churning of the ocean of milk, and the most exciting story from the Indian epic Ramayana. Thanks to the efforts of monument restoration experts, these bas-reliefs are now well-preserved, allowing the world to rediscover them. Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the image on the current 100 Cambodian riel banknote is that of Bakong Temple. Next time you visit, you might want to compare it with a 100 riel banknote. Ticket Price: General admission ticket, one-day pass $37, three-day pass $62, seven-day pass $72 Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM Address: Prasat Bakong, Siem Reap Province, Kingdom of Cambodia.

Bakong Temple 🇰🇭

#2024wish My visit to the Bakong Temple in Siem Reap Province was an absolute delight. The picturesque surroundings and the temple's rich historical significance made it an unforgettable experience. The sheer beauty of the temple's intricate design and the meticulous craftsmanship that went into its construction left me spellbound. It was truly a privilege to witness firsthand the wonders of this ancient masterpiece. Bakong, an impressive sandstone temple mountain, holds the distinction of being the inaugural creation of the Khmer empire's rulers at Angkor, situated near the contemporary Siem Reap in Cambodia. This architectural marvel came into existence during the latter part of the 9th century AD and was designated as the official state temple by King Indravarman I. Serving as the spiritual center of the ancient city of Hariharalaya, which is now known as Roluos, Bakong stood as a testament to the grandeur and religious significance of the Khmer civilization. When you plan your trip to Cambodia, make sure to include this remarkable place in your itinerary. It adds a special touch to your travel experience, making it truly worthwhile and unforgettable. I'm already looking forward to returning to this destination in 2024! #localguides #historicallandmarks #mytravelhacks #familytrip #bakongtemple #ancienttemples

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Prasat Bakong, the Sacred Temple

Prasat Bakong is such a sacred temple must visit! Its rich history of the Angkor era local tradition and belief can see through the temple itself. Strongly recommend to visit the temple! #angkorwat #siemreap #cambodia

#bucketlistreboot Bakong Temple is only 1.6 kilometers 4 minutes drive away from Preah Ko, it is also one of the four temples in Roluos Group. Bakong Temple is the first Khmer temple mountain of sandstone constructed by the rulers of the Khmer empire in an area today called Roluos. It was built by King Indravarman 1 in the late ninth century dedicated to Shiva. The five stepped pyramids represented the sacred mountain Meru. Four levels leading to the central sanctuary correspond to the worlds of mythical beings. Imagine how the people from the pass can build and crave all these images without the modern tools help, that wonderful.

Bakong Temple, built in 881, is a national temple in the Indra period. It is also a good place to watch the sunset. A five-story, pyramid-like shrine with a basement length of 65 meters. The base point of each floor is the original tower gate. The 5-story tower is said to symbolize the Mount Meiru in the Hindu god. The temple is dedicated to Shiva.

Bakong Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, 15 km southwest of Siem Reap, in the Angkor site of Cambodia. According to the temple monument discovered in 1935, this temple was the temple built by King Indra of King Angkor in 881 (the capital of the country was in Rolous). The Bakong Temple was originally a ruin. The French Far East Institute's monument maintenance expert, Maurice Grice, began to repair it in 1936. After seven years of hard work, it was roughly restored in 1943. Bakong Temple is a five-storey square gold-plated altar with a base length of 65 meters. The base point of each floor is the original tower door, and a pagoda stands at the top center. On the return trip, just happened to meet the sunset, Cambodian teenagers are playing beach basketball, which is backward in our view, but they are very happy.