Angkor Temple Guide: #22 Phnom Bakheng

Phnom Bakheng, in many ways, is where it all started. Phnom Bakheng was built close to the site later used for Angkor Wat, and sits majestically about 1.65km (1 mile) to the southeast of its illustrious cousin. It is a temple mountain, and was constructed during the reign of King Yasovarman (889-910) and was dedicated to the god, Shiva. This is an extremely popular tourist attraction among the many Angkor attractions.

Older than Angkor Wat and one of the most important of all

To put a little perspective into the history of the Angkor temples, Phnom Bakheng was constructed an amazing 200 years before Angkor Wat. This was the most important temple of the entire Angkor region, and the centre-piece of Yasovarman’s new capital, Yasodharapura. This was where the court was moved to, from the capital Hariharalaya in the Roluos region, to the southeast.

There is an inscription in Thailand’s Sdok Kak Thom temple, which reads, “When Sri Yasovardhana became king under the name of Yasovarman, the able Vamasiva continued as his guru. By the king’s order, he set up a linga on Sri Yasodharagiri, a mountain equal in beauty to the king of mountains.” It is written in Sanskrit.

Yasovarman is credited with building three temple mountains during his time as king. Phnom Krom to the south close to Tonle Sap Lake, and Phnom Bok, which is northeast of the East Baray. As with all these temples mountains, this 7 tiered one, is a representation of Mount Meru, in India. There is a quincunx of small temples at the top. Originally, a staggering 108 small towers were dotted around on all levels of Phnom Bakheng. In its day, this must have been an amazing sight.

Top Tips for Phnom Bakheng

There are elephant rides available in the evenings to take you up the hill.
This is a great place from which to watch the sun go down over Angkor Wat, don’t forget your camera; one of the top places to visit in Cambodia.
Please abide by what the guides tell you. This is one of the most at risk sites in the area, due to heavy numbers of tourists. As they say, leave only footprints. From 2004, the World Monuments Fund has been working to conserve the temple in partnership with APSARA (Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap).

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 https://steemit.com/temples/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-19-lolei
20: Neak Pean https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-18-neak-pean
21: Phimeanakas https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-21-phimeanakas

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