Location: South of Preah Ko Temple
Access: Enter and leave at the East, a modern Buddhist temple occupies the northeast section of the complex
Date: Late ninth century (881)
King: Indravarman I (reigned 877- 889)
Religion: Hindu (dedicated to Shiva)
Art Style: Preah Ko
Bakong Temple, located in Hariharalaya (named after the synthesis deity Harihara, representing Shiva and Vishnu), is a prominent temple-mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the cosmic axis. Its five ascending levels represent the mythical worlds of nagas, garudas, rakshasas, yakshas, and the divine realm at the summit. Likely serving as the state temple of Indravarman I, Bakong embodies both religious and architectural significance.
The temple is enclosed by two ramparts. The outer rampart, measuring 900 x 700 meters, surrounds a moat with causeways on four sides featuring naga balustrades. The inner rampart has gopuras (gateway towers) at the center of each wall. Structures within the complex include rest houses, brick buildings with circular holes (possibly ritual or functional), and sandstone halls along the processional way, possibly storehouses or libraries.
The temple's central sanctuary is a square, tiered structure crowned with a lotus-shaped spire, added during the 12th century. The sanctuary's design allows visibility from all five levels, emphasizing its sacred presence. The temple reflects a synthesis of spiritual symbolism and architectural ingenuity.
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