Bakong, Archaeological site and monastery in Roluos, Cambodia.
Bakong is a temple complex in Roluos with five tiers of sandstone construction, eight surrounding towers, and multiple sanctuaries within three concentric walls. The central sanctuary displays architectural elements that span different periods of its long history.
King Indravarman I established Bakong in 881 as the central temple of his capital. It marked the beginning of major stone construction during the Angkor era.
The temple embodies Mount Meru through its pyramidal form and blends Hindu and Buddhist elements in its stonework. The structure reflects ancient cosmology and serves today as an active place of worship maintained by resident monks.
The complex sits about 13 kilometers east of Siem Reap and is easy to reach. Information panels throughout the site help visitors navigate the grounds and understand the different levels.
Stone elephants carved at each corner of the lower levels stand as silent guardians of the complex. These details are often overlooked but form a captivating feature of ancient craftsmanship.
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