Location: 118km North-East of Siem Reap
The temple complex of Koh Ker is situated northeast of Siem Reap and for a brief period
of time (928AD to 948AD), served as the capital of the Khmer Empire. This was a very
unique period in Khmer history. From the time the Angkor area became the Khmer capital
in the late 9th century, it would only change hands once in 500 years. What is known is
that following a disruption in the royal succession, King Jayavarman IV created a new
capital 100km away at Koh Ker. Here, he raised an impressive royal city of monuments,
temples and prasats, surrounding a huge baray (reservoir). Koh Ker remained the capital
for another 20 odd years before returning the capital to the Angkor area following the end
of the King’s reign.
The complex is 35 meters high and its design resembles a seven-stepped stupa. It was
built to worship Treypuvanesvara, the god of happiness. In total, 96 temples have been
found in Koh Ker and it once contained some of the most extraordinary sculptures ever
produced in Khmer art. Two of them are kept in the National Museum at Phnom Penh
– the large Garuda bird at the entrance hall and the portrayal of a Ramayana episode
involving two monkeys wrestling. Today, many of the temples are no longer standing, and
some are buried in the ground.
The major temples of Koh Ker are now on a road loop around the baray. The premier ruin
of the complex is Prasat Thom, an imposing 7 level pyramid and temple complex that
offers stunning views from its summit. The Shiva Lingas in Prasat Thneng and Prasat Leung
are also notable.
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