Cambodia Temple #5: Takeo Temple

Takeo temple is a pyramid of five levels achieving a total height of 40 meters, the first two forms the base of two surrounding yards, one enclosed by a simple wall and the other by a gallery, while the last three, through proportional lessening are a monstrous artificial plinth for the quincunx of temples. Takeo temple was likewise the first temple which was established with the largest blocks of sandstone in Angkor time. This temple was devoted to Shiva. This temple construction has never been finished and it has not many carvings.    

The upper stage is square and nearly possessed by the quincunx of towers in their incomplete shape. These open to the four cardinal points by anticipating vestibules. The corner towers are determined to plinths and are overwhelmed by the focal tower set on an uplifted base with the improvement of its porticoes and frontons adding to its greatness. Pieces of pedestals and of Lingas (penises) are discovered both in and around the towers.    

Firstly, the entrance to the landmark was from the east across a moat by methods for a good paved causeway, preceded by lions in the style of the Bayon. Somewhere in the range of 500 meters further toward the east is the bank of the Eastern Baray. The outer enclosure wall shapes a rectangle of 120 meters by 100 meters and is in sandstone on a laterite base. The second terrace dominates the first with an imposing shaped laterite base and four pivotal sandstone gopuras. From the yard, standing in front of the three tiers that shape the 14 meters high focal pyramid, one is left with an effective impression.    

Since Takeo temple was not completed, it definitely appears as that the ancient Khmer people put ancient of stone one upon the others as a form of the temple, and after that they carved and decorated the temple later. The reason why work stopped is not known. An inscription says that lightning struck the temple at one point which was taken as an indication of misfortune upon which work was stopped. More probable it was a result of the death of King Jayavarman V who commissioned the temple.    

The first name of this temple was Hemasringagiri which implies a Golden Peak Mountain. In early eleventh century, king Suryavarman I built some more part of the temple and renamed it as Jagisvara Pandita.        

The main entrance of Takeo faces toward the east. Its walkway measures 50 meters long with numerous columns on the two sides. The moat encompassing Takeo measures 225 meters by 195 meters. The establishment of this temple measures 122 meters by 106 meters.    

The Takeo is the first temple where encompassing galleries were present. Many of the Angkor temples that were built later copied this feature. The circular galleries are a continuation of the long halls of prior temples, similar to those of the Pre Rup. 

Some beautiful pictures of Takeo temple:

 Some related articles:

1. Cambodia Temple #12: Bakong Temple 
2. Cambodia Temple #11: Banteay Kdei Temple
3. Cambodia Temple #10: Preah Palilay Temple
4. Cambodia Temple #9: Chau Say Tevoda Temple 
5. Cambodia Temple #8: Baksei Chamkrong Temple 
6. Cambodia Temple #7: Preah Ko Temple 
7. Cambodia Temple #6: Neak Pean Temple
8. Cambodia Temple #4: Bayon Temple
9. Cambodia Temple #3: Banteay Chhmar Temple
10. Cambodia Temple #2: Banteay Samre Temple
11. Cambodia Temple #1: Banteay Srei Temple