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Preah Vihear Temple is renowned as the 'temple of temples', offering visitors the opportunity to explore the beauty of culture, history, and many mysteries.
Discover the Sacredness of Preah Vihear Temple - A Borderland Sanctuary
Preah Vihear Temple honors the deity Shiva, situated atop the Dangrek Mountain range in Champasak Province, right on the border between Cambodia and Thailand. It comprises a series of temples and ancient shrines.
Preah Vihear Temple, with its architectural layout stretching up to 800m, extending from the foot of the mountain to the summit along the North-South axis, was constructed from the 9th century. It worships Shiva - the deity of destruction and creation in Hindu mythology, along with the mountain deities Sikharesvara and Bhadresvara. Subsequently, the temple underwent continuous completion, reconstruction over many centuries, spanning approximately 7 reigns of the old Khmer empire.
Architectural Layout of the Preah Vihear Temple in Cambodia is divided into 3 distinct tiers, gradually increasing in height from North to South, totaling 120m. Tier 1 houses the main entrance gate of the temple, Tier 2 features a cluster of structures built in the style of Banteay Srei. Lastly, Tier 3, located at the mountain summit, serves as the focal point of the complex.
Particularly remarkable is the roof ridge, adorned with the image of the Naga serpent's tail, constructed in a symmetrical, soaring fashion, meticulously and skillfully decorated. This architectural style serves as the prototype that has been reconstructed at the Koh Ker temple and the Banteay Srey temple.
Presently, the main sanctuary area has been transformed into a Buddhist worship site with resident monks always present to offer blessings to devout visitors or worshippers. The surrounding area of the temple features numerous libraries, towers, but over thousands of years, these structures have suffered significant damage.
Preah Vihear Temple in Cambodia lacks the poetic corners of Ta Phrohm or the endless corridors of Angkor Wat,… yet it always brings forth new insights into culture, history in the journey of exploration for travelers.
As per Mytour
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourFebruary 2, 2023
