Mangalartha, Cambodia
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Mangalartha
Cambodia
Mangalartha is a small, insignificant, and difficult to find Angkor ruin that will appeal mainly to hardcore enthusiasts. It is also called Monument 487 as well as Prast Top (East). To find Mangalartha, go along the road between the Bayon and the Victory Gate. About 200 meters before arriving at the Victory Gate, look for a forest path on the right. Mangalartha is located 300 meters into the jungle.
Mangalartha holds the distinction of being the last known monument of the Angkor period. It was built in the late 13th century, during the reign of King Jayavarman VIII, and was constructed to honor a Brahmin scholar called Jayamangalartha, who was the son of one of the gurus of the king. According to inscriptions, the temple was consecrated at 8:45am on Thursday, 28 April, 1295 AD.
Broken pediments lying on the ground show carvings of reclining Vishnu as well as the Three Steps of Vishnu, depicting the deity stepping over the ocean.
