Chau Say Tevoda, Cambodia
Copyright © Timothy Tye. Stock Photo for Sale
Chau Say Tevoda
Cambodia
Chau Say Tevoda is a moderate-size ruin located just across the road from the ruins of Thommanon. It is located about 500 meters east of Angkor Thom's Victory Gate. Coming from that direction, you will find it on the right side of the road (with Thommanon on the left). Both Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon are older than the Victory Gate, which was built much later.
Chau Say Tevoda was built in the mid 12th century, towards the end of the reign of King Suryavarman II who built Angkor Wat. Compare the description of Chau Say Tevoda here with that of Thommanon, which is often paired with it. Thommanon was built earlier than Chau Say Tevoda. They are alike, except that Chau Say Tevoda has four gopuras and two "libraries" while Thommanon has only one "library".
Chau Say Tevoda is in a more advanced state of ruin compared to Thommanon. At the time of my documentation, the monument was undergoing restoration which, even as I write this, the work should still be in progress.
The ensemble at Chau Say Tevoda comprises a sanctuary tower connected by an antarala (corridor) to a mandapa (antechamber). Everything is slightly smaller than at Thommanon. Entry to the temple is via the east gopura, which is made larger and more elaborate. To the east of the temple is a cruciform terrace and causeway that leads to the Siem Reap River (at the time it was constructed).
