Overview

• Late 9th Century
• Religion: Hindu
• Patron: Jayavarman III, Indravarman I
• Style: Preah Ko

Purpose

The Bakong was the state temple of Indravarman I, and the center of his capital of Hariharalaya (modern day Roluos). It is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, and built to symbolize Mount Meru.

Significance

The largest temple of the Roluos group, which marked the Angkorian capital from the late 9th to the early 10th century.

History

The Bakong was built in the late 9th century by Indravarman I, save for the sanctuary on top of the pyramid, which is a later addition , most likely from the 12th century. The original sanctuary at the top is thought to have been destroyed during a civil war. It is possible that the Bakong is constructed around a laterite temple built earlier during the reign of Jayavarman III.

Description

The Bakong is a five-tiered temple mountain, of a sandstone capped laterite core. Four stairways, one at each cardinal direction, lead upward to a crowning central sanctuary. The pyramid is surrounded by many smaller brick structures, and the entire complex is enclosed by three walls and two moats.