Phnom Bok is a striking hill in the East of Angkor. Here King Yasovarman I (reigned 889-900) built a sandstone temple.
The towers, orientated east, were dedicated to Shiva (centre), Vishnu (north), and Brahma (south). Four fire shrines are opposite of the towers' entrances. We can visualize the king on an elephant and with pompous entourage ascending the hill and moving into the temple to prostrate himself in front of the idol of Shiva, the 'Lord of the Mountains'. Indeed, this summit gives a grand view over the world, i.e. Angkor.
To re-enact the king's visit you have to climb over fallen down blocks of stone and you have to make detours. The towers are godforsaken, there seems to be no longer any reason to approach to them reverentially. Appearance of the Goddesses
The temple forsaken by the male gods goddesses now have taken centre stage: At the outer walls of the towers, twenty-four sensual Devata are standing in niches which are framed by colonnettes, two makara in foliage form a vault. See the remaining Devata in an album. Access From Preah Dak village in the East Baray you follow the road to east, and pass Banteay Samré. After some 5 km, in Ta Aek village, you find a wat at the foot of the hill. Frome here a concrete stairway will lead you up, 20 minutes. You better climb up in the cool morning. No entrance fee, Angkor pass not required. |
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