BACKGROUND
Baksei Chamkrong is a small Hindu temple located at foot of Bakheng hill. The temple can be seen on the path to the top of Bakheng temple and is on the left when entering Angkor Thom by the southern gate. It was completed in 947 having been started during the reign of King Harshavarman I, a son of Yaso- varman. The temple was com- pleted by King Rajendravarman II (944-968).
The name Baksei Chamkrong means "The Bird Who Shelters under Its Wings" and comes from a legend that the king tried to flee Angkor during a siege and a huge bird landed and protected him under its wings.
LAYOUT
Baksei Chamkrong has two surrounding brick-built enclosure walls but those have almost entirely disappeared, though to the east, the remains of an axial gopura with sandstone steps is still visible.
A single brick square tower, created in form of pyramid, opens to the east and has false doors on the other sides. The tower rises on four laterite tiers and it diminishes in size from its base to the top level. Four steep and narrow stairs, rising at each cardinal point, allow visitors, with great care, to ascend to the upper platform. A more recently sculpted reclining Buddha figure lies on the third floor of the tower. The temple is constructed of durable materials, mainly brick and laterite, and has decorations on the sandstone. Originally the brickwork building was surfaced with stucco but this no longer remains.
INSCRIPTION
There is an inscription on either side of the small doorway which dates from the reign of Rajendravarman and mentions the setting in the temple, in the year 947, of a golden statue of Shiva, implying that the building dates from this time¹.
Open Hours: opening at 7.00 AM and closing at 5.30 PM.
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