Overview

• Late 10th-Early 11th
• Religion: Hindu
• Patron: Suryavarman I
• Style: Kleang

Purpose

Phimeanakas was the king's personal temple, and also the state temple of Suryavarman I.

Significance

According to legend, the Khmer king came here each night, and made love to a snake goddess disguised as a beautiful woman. If he failed to do this, for even one night, he would die and the empire would collapse.

History

The temple was constructed by Rajendravarman, but later kings made substantial additions, and much of the existing structure dates to the rule of Suryavarman I.

Description

Phimeanakas served as a personal place of worship for the king, and as such was built next to the royal palace, which has long since disappeared. The temple is a three tiered rectangular pyramid, built to represent Mt. Meru. Stairs lead up each side to the top central sanctuary, which in ancient times was crowned with a gold tower. The grounds included courts and pools, and were surrounded by an enclosure wall. Another enclosure wall was added later, and a moat, which is now dry.