Prasat Bakong ប្រាសាទបាគង: The first temple mountain of sandstone constructed by the rulers of the Khmer empire and dedicated to Shiva in 881. 900 metres x 700 metres in size, Bakong includes two moats and three concentric enclosures. The pyramid is almost square (65m x 67m), and was reconstructed in the 1930's by Maurice Glaize. In the 9th century AD it served as the official state temple of King Indravarman I in the city of Hariharalaya, located in an area that today is called Roluos. There is a striking similarity of the Bakong and Borobudur temple in Java, for example if you look at the gateways and stairs to the upper terraces. The five tiers of Bakong symbolise Mount Meru, the mythical abode of the gods.
Picture by Ashley
Picture by AshleyThe Bakong temple at Roluos rises in four stages, and the first three have stone elephants at each corner. Eight brick towers can be seen from the lotus-shaped tower, at top, presumably a replacement for the original square crown. Some of the lintel work in Bakong's buildings survive but most of the sandstone decorations have been destroyed. Fallen stonework remains at the base, waiting to be restored.
Preah Ko ប្រាសាទព្រះគោ: Nearby Prasat Bakong you find Preah Ko ("The Sacred Bull"), the first temple built in Hariharalaya. The temple was built under the Khmer King Indravarman I in 879 to honor members of the king's family,
Picture by AshleyAlmost all of the buildings and galleries are in ruins. The six towers are based on a sandstone platform with three sets of steps, each guarded by a pair of lions. Three statues of the kneeling bull Nandi face the temple. Figures and lintels are carved out of sandstone, and include kala, mythical creatures with large mouths and bulging eyes; makara, sea creatures with trunk-like snouts and Garuda (Vishnu's eagle mount).
Picture by AshleyPrasat Lolei រាសាទលលៃ: Lolei was part of the city of Hariharalaya. In 893 king Yasovarman I dedicated it to Shiva and to members of the royal family. Lolei was located on an island slightly north of centre in the now dry Indratataka baray. Lolei consists of four brick temple towers grouped together on a terrace. Originally the towers were enclosed by an outer wall access through which was through a gopura, but neither wall nor gopura have survived to the present. Today, the temple is next to a monastery. The towers are known for their decorative elements, including false doors, their carved lintels, and their carved devatas and dvarapalas. You can see the sky-god Indra mounted on the elephant Airavata, serpent-like monsters called makaras and multi-headed nagas.
Picture by Ashley
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