Baksei Chamkrong Temple, Cambodia

Address

Baksei Chamkrong Temple, Angkor, Krong Siem Reap 17000, Cambodia

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

The Baksei Chamkrong is a 10th century temple found near the Angkor Thom South gate. The very steep pyramidal temple topped with a single prasat tower was built as a Hindu sanctuary dedicated to Shiva. The name Baksei Chamkrong translates to “the bird that shelters under its wings”. The temple was built by Harshavarman I in the early 10th century. Soon after his reign, the capital of the Khmer Kingdom was moved to Koh Kher, North of Angkor. The temple was completed and dedicated in the year 948 by King Rajendravarman II, after the capital had been moved back to Angkor. East of the temple are the remains of a brick wall and a gopura that was guarded by lions. A few steps and a single guardian lion are all that remain today. The stepped pyramid consists of four laterite tiers of diminishing size. The lowest tier measures 27 meters long, the 4th tier 15 meters. The square, symmetrical structure reaches a height of 13 meters.