Kh 13 - Baphuon, Phimeanakas and Preah Palilay

BAPHUON

"The Tower of Bronze ... a truly astonishing spectacle, with more than ten chambers at its base."
- Chou Ta-Kuan (1266-1346 AD) a Chinese diplomat under the Temur Khan, Emperor Chengzong of Yuan.

Baphuon
Built by King Udayadityavarman II in mid 11th century dedicated to Hindu god - Shiva

From left : the sandstone causeway that connected Baphuon from the east side with Terrace of the Elephant; causeway that has been restored - this temple been restored in two different period, abandoned circa 1970's due to Khmer Rouge's civil war.

From left : one of distinctive features of Baphuon is its causeway pillars - only this temple has cylinder pillars that used to support the sandstone causeway; Baphuon from the causeway - eastern side.

From left : a ruined cruciform gopura of Baphuon; this temple still undergoing restoration by French-led team - expected to end in 2009. The main problems faced by the team due to its foundation. The temple built on land filled with sands thus make this massive building unstable and easily collapse.

PHIMEANAKAS

" ... a golden tower, to the top of which the ruler ascends nightly. It is common belief that in the tower dwells a genie, formed like a serpent with nine heads, which is Lord of the entire Kingdom. Every night this genie appears in the shape of a woman, with whom the sovereign couples. Not even the wives of the King may enter here. At the second watch the King come forth and is then free to sleep with his wives and concubines."
- Chou Ta-Kuan; description about the Phimeanakas.

Phimeanakas or Prasat Phimean Akas means the Celestial Temple, some described it as the Palace of Heaven. First built by King Rajendravarman (941-968 AD) at the end of 10th century, then rebuild back by King Suryavarman I. This temple then being absorbed into Angkor Thom which has been built few hundred years later.

From left : blocks of stone at the upper level of Phimeanakas; view from the central tower of Phimeanakas.

From left : the central tower - guess this is the place that the King will sleep with the genie-lady every night before he allowed to sleep with his wives or concubines. "Legend say that if the King miss a night - his Kingdom will strike by calamity."; narrow steps ascending to the top of Phimeanaks. "For those who has phobia of height or simply non O-blood group - better take precaution before ascending on top of the temple!"

From left : more views of Phimeanakas; damaged elephant statues at the corner of each level with lions flanking the stairs.

From left : paved bathing ponds - the smaller for women while the larger for the men. "Legend say that the King has 10 wives and nearly 2,000 concubines. I wonder how did he rotate all of them to sleep with him every night. He must be a very STRONG guy!"; Northern gate to Preah Palilay.

PREAH PALILAY

Built around 13th to 14th century. It was believed to be built for Buddha, although some images showed Hindu idols. The most distinctive features is the chimney-like tower at the center of the temple.

From left : the temple being restored to its original feature. "Lucky for you Fuaz that you got your chance to see this temple with enormous Kapok tree roots the temple. Next time when you come here - you wouldn't get to see this picturesque trees." Dara told me. "Lucky me - I guess"; image showed Buddha give blessing to animal.