Thommanon, Hindu temple near Victory Gate, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Thommanon is a Hindu temple near Angkor Thom's Victory Gate, featuring a central sanctuary, gateway structure, and library building arranged in compact proximity. The walls display intricate stone carvings depicting Hindu deities and celestial female figures throughout the complex.
Built during King Suryavarman II's reign in the 12th century, the temple displays architectural features comparable to Angkor Wat from the same period. Its construction occurred at the height of the Khmer Empire's power and development of religious architecture.
The carved female figures wear detailed Khmer dress with ornate crowns, pleated skirts, and jewelry that reflects the artistic mastery of their time. These representations show how craftspeople imagined and portrayed divine beings through the lens of royal court fashion.
The temple sits just beyond Angkor Thom's Victory Gate, making it a convenient stop for visitors already touring the main temple complex. Morning visits offer better lighting for viewing the carved details and photographing the structures.
The French School of Asian Studies restored the temple during the 1960s, resulting in better preservation than many neighboring structures in the area. This restoration work helped retain fine details of original carvings that have faded at nearby sites.
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