Angkor Temple Guide: #15 Chau Say Tevoda
Chau Say Tevoda was built in the middle of the 12th century to the east of Angkor Thom, near the northern Cambodian city of Siem Reap. This was a Hindu temple built around the same time as its illustrious cousin, Angkor Wat. Over the years it had fallen into terrible disrepair, with thousands of its stones lying scattered around, but it is still a valued tourist attraction. Between the years of 2000 and 2009 a team of expert restorers from China brought it back to its former glory using the methods of anastylosis.
As with other Angkor temples in this area, Chau Say Tevoda was started by King Suryavarman II before later being completed by King Jayavarman VII. Again, as with Angkor Wat, it started life as a Hindu temple but over the years converted to Buddhism. The representations of the Buddha found in the intricate engravings were added by Dharanindravarman.
The temple is built in the cruciform plan and resembles many Hindu temples in India. There are four gopuras on the cardinal points, with a covered entrance from the east. The central tower has a mandapa attached, and this is one of the area’s really good sights.
There is a statue of the Buddha in a cross-legged posture seated on a high platform. He is flanked by carvings which are interpreted as that of Garuda and the king of Nagas, nut sadly these are now disfigured. There is also a figure of Buddha with a Bodhi tree acting as an umbrella. Scenes from the life of Buddha are carved onto the northern door of the eastern gopura. There is also a wonderful bas relief of Sita who was the heroine in the epic Hindu tale of Ramayana. She is seated over an altar flanked by rakshasis. The Hindu god Hanuman is carved in the form of a small monkey facing Sita and offering her Rama’s ring. Sadly a laterite wall that used to enclose the temple has long since disappeared, it is though a must-see temple for Angkor fans.
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
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how much influence did india hold over cambodia at this time? I would really be interested to know exactly how many of their ideals and practices around that time were similar or adopted in an an alternative cultural form. another great and informative read from inseasia.
Angkor Wat for example was originally built as a Hindu temple to the god Vishnu. It change over time. So there is definitely a link between the two religions and the two cultures.
Very cool. Guess there was time when the religons probably overlapped, especially considering Buddhism was a split from Hinduism as far as I've heard. Don't quote me on that though lol.
Yeah. Both Hinduism and Buddhism believe in karma, the rewarding of deeds done. Hinduism believes in several deities where as Buddhism doesn't believe in any. Buddha was born in Nepal and spent most of his life and died in, India.
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