Phnom Bakheng, Cambodia
Copyright © Timothy Tye. Stock Photo for Sale
Phnom Bakheng
Cambodia
Phnom Bakheng is a hill - the only hill, in fact - within Angkor Archeological Park. It is also the name given to the ancient Khmer temple located at the top of the hill. The hill can be accessed by climbing the step slope which has the ancient steps, or take the more leisurely elephant path.
The temple of Phnom Bakheng is the state temple of the first kingdom established in the Angkor area. This happened when King Yasovarman I moved the Angkor capital from the Roluos area (where the ruins of Lolei, Preah Ko and Bakong are located), to the Angkor area around the late 9th century. He named his city Yasodharapura. It was 4 square kilometers in size - larger than Angkor Thom which came later - and centered it on the hill of Phnom Bakheng.
Phnom Bakheng shares some similarity with Bakong which was built about two decades earlier. It rises on three tiers. The linga in the central sanctuary was dedicated on 907 AD. Phnom Bakheng, as with all the names of Angkor ruins, are modern Khmer names. The original name of the temple is Yasodharesvara, which means "The Lord Who Bears Glory".
