Temples of Angkor

Temples of Angkor.

Temples of Angkor.

Long stark corridors. They are always oriented to cardinal points.

Temples of Angkor.

Here the reddish colored lateritic stones are used . The inner courtyard tanks are typical.

Temples of Angkor

The final structure is often less imposing. This is deliberate.

The galleries with columns of cylindrically carved stones let in light.

Inner courtyard and the high walls are typical.

Temples of Angkor.

The Deity.

Ta Keo

Inside the temple with its high ceiling and massive columns.

One of the towers.

Ta keo temple

Ta Keo temple environs.

Ta Keo temple .

Ta Keo

High foundation is a hallmark of Angkorian architecture.

It is dedicated to Shiva .

View from the top.

Steep stairs lead you to the top .

Ta Keo was built by Jayavarman V (968-1001) and is built entirely of sand stone.

Some are being renovated because of the poor state they are in.

They stand as a mute testimony to a glorius past .

One can only see a few of them because they are scattered far and wide throughout the Angkor empire that covers a vast area.

But they are no less significant in terms of beauty and delicate carvings.

Built around the main temple are numerous smaller temples.

Elephant terrace and temples.

Some of the architectural style is said to be influenced by South Indian temple art.

The Apsaras stare at you from every corner.

A small Angkorian temple

This is a colossal architecture and very grandiose in nature.

The terrace of elephants has five piers extending towards the central square. 

Elephant terraces

It served as a base for the King's grand audience hall.

The terrace of the elephants is 350 m long and was used as a viewing stand for public ceremonies. 

A closer look at the carvings above the door lintel.

Apsaras on both sides of the door is the style here

A cluster of three temples at Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei

Some smaller temples.

Another angle of the courtyard .

The carvings depict Hindu mythology .

Carved monkeys called hanuman keep eternal vigil.

Banteay Srei temple.

Banteay Srei

A small gate leading to the inner courtyard.

Tipin had to take my photo here.

It is wonderfully preserved and many of its carvings are three dimensional.

There is no equal to the fine carvings at Banteay Srei.

Although small in size, the Banteay Srei temple is known for its fine carvings in pink sand stone.This is the entrance. Note the  gallery spreading bothways like at Angkor wat.

Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei

The approach causeway to Banteay Srei which is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva.

Now we come to see the jewel of the Angkorian art at Banteay Srei.

Workers chisel into shape some pieces for restoration funded by India.

Another view of Ta Prohm ruins.

Fine carvings of Apsaras at Ta Prohm.