Angkor Temple guide: #19 Lolei

Lolei is the furthest north of the roluos group of temples, which also includes Bakong and Preah Ko. Roluos is now a modern small town, and an important archeological site, located about 13 km east of Siem Reap. These are important and popular tourist attractions in the Angkor region. This was formerly the ancient city of Hariharalaya. The three Roluos temples are among the earliest permanent Khmer structures, and Lolei was the last of them to be built. It was dedicated to Shiva by King Yasovarman I in 893AD.

Lolei although the least impressive of the Rolous Group, is still worthy of a visit
Lolei was originally built standing on an island in a now dry baray. This would have been built under Yasovarman’s father, the previous King Indravarman I. Perceived wisdom is that placing the temple on an island in the middle of a lake is symbolic with Mount Meru, the home of the gods. In classical Hindu mythology it is surrounded by the world oceans

The temple itself consists of four brick built temples that stand together on a terrace. The two taller ones in honour of his grandparents, the two smaller ones for his parents. When built it stood next to an ashram. Today a modern working pagoda stands in the same place, another of the great things to see here.

These towers are well respected due to the intricate and decorative elements of their design. False doors were added, The lintels, devatas and dvarapalas flanked both the real doors and the false ones. This was an amazing attention to detail, though sadly they have mostly fallen into ruin today.

Top Tip

Lolei is probably the least impressive of the Roluos temples. It is still worthy of a visit, but if you are pressed for time, it would be better to take in the others first.

Previously published:
1: Ak Yom https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-1-ak-yom
2: Angkor Thom https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-2-angkor-thom
3: Angkor Wat https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-3-angkor-wat
4: Bakong https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-4-bakong
5: Baksei Chamrong https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-5-baksei-chamrong
6: Banteay Kdei https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-6-banteay-kdei
7: Banteay Prei https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-7-banteay-prei
8: Banteay Samre https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-8-banteay-samre
9: Banteay Srey https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-9-banteay-srey
10: Baphuon https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-10-baphuon
11: Bat Chum https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-11-bat-chum
12: Bayon https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-12-bayon
13: Beng Mealea https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-13-beng-mealea
14: Chapel of the Hospital https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-14-the-chapel-of-the-hospital
15: Chau Say Tevoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-15-chau-say-tevoda
16: Kbal Spean https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-16-kbal-spean
17: The Khleangs https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-17-the-khleangs
18: Krol Ko https://steemit.com/temples/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-18-krol-ko
19: Lolei
20: Neak Pean https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-18-neak-pean

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