Angkor Temple Guide: #13 Beng Mealea

Beng Mealea is a wonderful temple of the main Angkor Wat period and is found about 40km (25 miles) east of the main temple group. The location is on the old Royal Highway between Angkor and Preah Khan Kampong Svay. Built from sandstone it was a Hindu temple though the inclusion of some Buddhist carvings suggest a change of direction at some point.

Beng Mealea is a delightful temple almost losing the battle against nature
Similar to the more famous Ta Phrom, this has been left in an unrestored condition and the jungle in which it sits has made huge inroads into the property. Records were never found so a certain amount of educated guesswork has had to be done to determine its origins. It is thought to have been built by Suryavarman in the early stages of the 12th century.

The temple is one of the larger ones, covering a square kilometre or almost 250 acres. The gallery running round its outer area is 181 x 152 m (593 x 498 ft). The walls and indeed most of the buildings are covered with wonderful carvings of scenes from Hindu mythology such as Vishnu on the bird god Garuda. The causeways have the usual theme of the naga running along their length.

For many years this was a difficult place to visit. However there is now a road here making visiting much easier.

Top Tips

Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera. You’ll get some amazing shots of nature doing battle with mankind here.

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

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