Koh Ker
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Koh Ker (Khmer: ប្រាសាទកោះកេរ្ដិ៍) is a remote archaeological site in northern Cambodia about 120 kilometres (75 mi) away from Siem Reap and the ancient site of Angkor. It is a very jungle filled region that is sparsely populated. More than 180 sanctuaries were found in a protected area of 81 square kilometres (31 sq mi).[1](p13) Only about two dozen monuments can be visited by tourists because most of the sanctuaries are hidden in the forest and the whole area is not fully demined.
Koh Ker is the modern name for an important city of the Khmer empire. In inscriptions the town is mentioned as Lingapura (city of lingams) or Chok Gargyar[2]:70 (sometimes translated as city of glance,[3] sometimes as iron tree forest).[1](pp8–9)
Under the reign of the kings Jayavarman IV and Harshavarman II Koh Ker was briefly the capital of the whole empire (928–944 AD). Jayavarman IV forced an ambitious building program. An enormous water-tank and about forty temples were constructed under his rule. The most significant temple‑complex, a double sanctuary (Prasat Thom/Prang), follows a linear plan and not a concentric one like most of the temples of the Khmer kings. Unparalleled is the seven‑tiered and 36-metre (118 ft) high pyramid, which most probably served as state temple[4]:103 of Jayavarman IV. Really impressive too are the shrines with the two‑meter 6 ft 7 in high lingas.
Under Jayavarman IV the style of Koh Ker was developed and the art of sculpture reached a pinnacle. A great variety of wonderful statues were chiselled. Because of its remoteness the site of Koh Ker was plundered many times by looters. Sculptures of Koh Ker can be found not only in different museums but also in private collections. Masterpieces of Koh Ker are offered occasionally at auctions. These pieces in present times are considered stolen art.
The site is about two and half hours away from Siem Reap, and basic visitors' facilities are now being built. This makes Koh Ker very attractive for anyone who would like to experience lonely temples partly overgrown by the forest.
Since 1992 the site of Koh Ker is on the UNESCO tentative world heritage list.[5]
02.View of the seven tiered pyramid at Koh Ker
Geography.
Koh Ker is situated between the southern slopes of the Dangrek mountains, the Kulen mountains (Phnom Kulen) in the south-west and the Tbeng mountain (Phnom Tbeng, near Tbeng Meanchey) in the east. Most parts of the hilly ground are covered by jungle, but most of the trees shed their leaves seasonally. In the second part of the 19th century, as French researchers and adventurers ranged the forests around the site of Koh Ker the game population was impressive. The city of Koh Ker was passed by the most important strategic route of the Khmer empire. Coming from Angkor and Beng Mealea to Koh Ker this road led to Prasat Preah Vihear and from there to Phimai in Thailand and Wat Phu in Laos .[1](pp13–14) The region of Koh Ker is relatively dry. Numerous water-tanks and canals were built during the 9th and the 10th century to ensure the water supply. These days water is pumped up from a depth of 30 to 40 metres (98 to 131 ft) meters
History.
Jayavarman IV[edit]
Jayavarman IV ruled from 928 to 941 at Koh Ker. Probably he was a local king at this remote site (his homeland?) before he became king of the whole empire. That could explain why he preferred to has his residence at Koh Ker and not at Roluos (Hariharalaya) or at Yashodharapura (Angkor) like the kings before him. Some historians think that Jayavarman IV was an usurper. But the majority of them say that he was a legal ruler and could ascend the throne because he married a half-sister of king Yasovarman I (889 – 900). It seems to be sure, that the two sons of Yasovarman I (Harshavarman I, who ruled from 900 to 922 and Isanavarman II, who ruled from 922 to 925?) had no children. In the short time as Jayavarman IV reigned in Koh Ker an ambitious building program was realised. That was only possible because of a restrictive system of raising taxes as inscriptions say. About 40 temples, the unique seven-tiered pyramid and a huge baray (water-reservoir) were built. Under Jayavarman IV the Koh Ker-style was developed and the art of sculpture reached a pinnacle.[1](p15)
Harshavarman II[edit]
After the decease of Jayavarman IV not the designated prince became his follower. Harshavarman II (another son of Jayavarman IV) claimed the throne. Like his father he ruled at Koh Ker (941 – 944) but after three years he died; probably it was not a natural decease. No temples at Koh Ker can be ascribed to him. His follower on the throne (a cousin of his) went back to Roluos (Hariharalaya).[1](p15)
Koh Ker after 944 AD[edit]
Even after 944 as the capital of the Khmer Empire had changed back to the plains north of the Tonle Sap-lake some more temples were built at the site of Koh Ker. An inscription mentions the reign of Udayadityavarman I in 1001.[4]:134 At the beginning of the 13th century the last sanctuary was realised there. Under Jayavarman VII the Prasat Andong Kuk a so-called hospital-chapel was built (one of more than 100 of hospital-sanctuaries of this ruler).[1](p15) [1](p25)
History of research.
19th century[edit]
In the second half of the 19th century, the French researchers Lunet de Lajonquière and Étienne Aymonier came to Koh Ker. They saw the main temple-complex Prasat Thom/Prang, the Baray and a group of linga-shrines. They also discovered a few subsections of a chaussée (i.e. highway) with a breadth of more than 8 m (26 ft). They supposed that a road once connected Koh Ker with Wat Phu (today in southern Laos). In about 1880 members of a French expedition arrived at Koh Ker and looted numerous statues and reliefs. These pieces are now in the Musée Guimet in Paris.[1](p13)
20th century[edit]
At the beginning of the 20th century art historians realised that a full-fledged style was developed at Koh Ker. Georges Coedès concluded from inscriptions that Koh Ker was capital of the Khmer empire (928 – 944 AD) under the reign of Jayavarman IV and his follower Harshavarman II. In the 1930s again French researchers came to Koh Ker. They discovered numerous monuments and counted finally fifty sanctuaries in an area of 35 square kilometres (8,649 acres). Henry Parmentier made a number of masterful drawings. After an interruption because of the reign of terror of the Khmer rouge research at Koh Ker continued (by APSARA, French, Japanese and Australian scientists).[1](p13)
21st century[edit]
At the beginning of the 21st century scientists concluded that not all of the monuments could have been built in the short time when Koh Ker was capital of the Khmer empire (928 – 944 AD). A new era started at Koh Ker as photographs made by satellites were analysed. In 2004 the protected area was extended to 81 square kilometres (31 sq mi; 20,016 acres). For five years Japanese researchers explored and described 184 monuments (including the exact position). The Australian researcher Damian Evans and his team were able to verify Lajonquière's theory that there once was a Khmer route between Koh Ker and Wat Phu, probably the most important strategic road of the Khmer empire.[1](pp13–14)
Recent excavations in December 2015 by Cambodian and international teams near Prasat Thom and the Rahal in the ancient urban core area of Koh Ker have yielded radiocarbon dates that clearly place significant habitation and activity beginning as early as the 7th-8th centuries CE - often noted as the Chenla period by historians. Some pottery types may date to the earlier Funan period. Over 24,000 artifacts and ecofacts were recovered from three test sites. Artifacts are mostly pottery fragments with local and exotic types representing over 1000 years of site use throughout the occupational sequence. Exotic pottery types include Chinese stoneware and glazed ware from the Song Yuan periods. Other exotic pottery include Thai and Vietnamese stoneware that generally date to the late Angkor and post-Angkor periods. Possible Persian pottery dating to the 9th century has been noted as well. Thus, Koh Ker has been linked to long distance value chains for considerable time spans. Although the area may have been significantly repurposed during the 10th century construction-boom heyday of Jayavarman IV, site use and activity continued well beyond the 10th century. Intensity of activities and density of occupation may have oscillated over time in relation to political and socio-economic factors. Natural and human resource management variables as well as environmental phenomena may have also played significant roles related to changes in popularity, population and productivity. The project is part of the Nalanda - Sriwijaya Centre (NSC) Field School led by Dr. D. Kyle Latinis (NSC) and Dr. Ea Darith (APSARA National Authority) with further support from the National Authority for Preah Vihear (NAPV).
Religion.
Before Koh Ker became capital of the Khmer empire (928 AD) numerous sanctuaries with Shiva-lingas existed already. Koh Ker was a cult site where Shiva had been worshipped a long time. Also Jayavarman IV was an ardent worshipper of this Hindu god. As later kings (whose residence was not in Koh Ker) changed from Hinduism to Buddhism they gave orders to make the necessary adjustments at their temples. Because of its remoteness fortunately the sanctuaries at Koh Ker were spared from these interventions.
Inscriptions.
Several inscriptions were found which mention Koh Ker as capital of the empire so in Siem Reap, Battambang, Takeo and Kampong Cham (city).[6] From inscriptions discovered at Koh Ker one can conclude that more than ten thousand people lived at Koh Ker when it was capital (928 – 944 AD). The inscriptions explain too how manpower was organised: taxes in form of rice were raised in the whole country and served to provide the workers who came from different provinces. An inscription at Prasat Damrei says that the shrine on the top of the state temple (Prang) houses a lingam of about 4.5 m (14 ft 9 in) and that the erection of this Shiva-symbol gave a lot of problems. A Sanskrit inscription at Prasat Thom gives evidence of the consecration of a Shiva-lingam 921 AD which was worshipped under the name of Tribhuvaneshvara ("Lord of the Threefold World") (Jacques 2007)
Stye of Koh ker.
None of the immense, expressive and beautiful sculptures are left at the site. Numerous of them were stolen and are standing now in museums and also in private collections. Some statues were put away by government organizations to protect them from looters. Many masterpieces of Koh Ker are now in the collection of the National Museum in Phnom Penh.
In late 2011, the remote location drew media attention worldwide when Sotheby's attempted to sell a statue of a mythical Khmer Empire warrior. In March 2012, the US and Cambodian governments filed court documents[7] to seize the statue that they purport was illegally removed from the site. A twin statue, also linked to the Koh Ker site, is on display at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California.
Ancient City Koh Ker.
The center of the ancient city was in the north-east corner of the baray (water-tank). As inscriptions say at least ten thousand inhabitants lived there during the rule of Jayavarman IV. Some authors speak about a square wall with a side length of 1.2 km (1,312 yd) which should have protected the town. But new researches indicate, that the linear structures (some parallel, some rectangular) found in this part of Koh Ker were dykes of ancient canals. Concerning the wooden buildings of the Khmer time no artefacts are found.
Laterite, sandstone and brick were used as construction materials in Koh Ker. Laterite and sandstone of excellent quality were quarried in great quantities in the region of Koh Ker. So the transport of stones was no problem. The bricks produced were small, regular and very solid. A thin layer of organic mortar (plant sap?) of unknown formula was used. After more than a millennium the brick sanctuaries in Koh Ker are in a much better condition than the laterite ones. The roofs of some temples in Koh Ker had a wood construction and were covered with tiles. In these monuments one can find the holes for the girders. The main sanctuary (the temple-complex Prasat Thom/Prang) was not standing in the middle of the ancient city.
Water - Tanks.
Rahal[edit]
The huge Baray (water-tank) called Rahal is the largest object at the site of the ancient capital Koh Ker. Its length is about 1,200 m (1,312 yd) and its breath about 560 m (612 yd). The water-tank has three dams covered by steps of laterite. The orientation of the Rahal is not from east to west like the huge water-reservoirs in Angkor; it follows an orientation of North 15° West. Because the most important monuments at Koh Ker have the same orientation one can conclude that the Baray was constructed first of them. The Rahal was carved out partly of the stone ground but it's not clear if a natural hollow was the reason for its orientation. These days most parts of the Baray are dried out and covered by grass. Some puddles can be seen in the corner next to the double-sanctuary.[8]
Trapeang Andong Preng[edit]
200 m (219 yd) south of the double-sanctuary Prasat Thom/Prang is a basin dug into the earth with a length of 40 m (44 yd). It has steps of laterite on all sides. During the rainy season the water is standing to a depth of 7 m (23 ft 0 in). The Trapeang Andong Preng does not belong to a temple. But it could have been a royal bath, because near this place was once the wooden palace of the king.[1](p32)
Trapeang Khnar[edit]
(carvings)[1](p21)
Temples and Shrines.
Complex of the double sanctuary Prasat Thom/Prang[edit]
Linear plan[edit]
The complex of the main monument in Koh Ker has a linear plan and is about 800 metres (875 yd) long. Its orientation is E15°N, that is rectangular to the Baray. The parking area cuts the complex in two parts. On the east side of the parking are two structures, called palaces. On the west side are the other monuments. They are standing behind the restaurants and are from east to west: an immense entrance pavilion, two towers, a red brick entrance-tower (Prasat Krahom), a surrounding wall with two courts (in the eastern court is the temple-complex Prasat Thom with a moat, in the western court stands the seven tiered pyramid, named Prang). Behind the enclosure is an artificial hill, the so‑called Tomb of the White Elephant. Except the Prasat Krahom and the Prang (pyramid), this temple-complex is in a bad condition.
Palaces[edit]
At the east side of the parking area are two structures the so-called palaces. Each consists of four rectangular buildings surrounding a court. All eight buildings have three rooms, some have a patio with pillars. Possibly these palaces served as meditation- or prayer-rooms for the king or nobles.
Entrance pavilion and laterite towers[edit]
Between the palaces and the closest monument is a distance of 185 metres (607 ft). On the left side of the parking area (behind the restaurants) is the impressive entrance pavilion made of sandstone. It stands 45 metres (148 ft) away from the double sanctuary and has a cruciform ground-plan. The crossbar is 60 metres (197 ft) long; the stringer has a length of 30 metres (98 ft). Parallel to the cross-bar are two halls. Directly behind the entrance-pavilion are the ruins of two huge laterite towers.
Prasat Krahom[edit]
Behind the ruins of the entrance-pavilion and the laterite towers is an impressive red brick tower, called Prasat Krahom (krahom = red), which gives entrance to the enclosed monuments. It has a cruciform plan, is in a good condition and once housed a statue of the Dancing Shiva with five heads and ten arms. The sculpture of a height of 3.50 metres (11 ft 6 in) is broken completely. A fragment of a hand of 0.5 metres (20 in) can be seen in the National Museum in Phnom Penh.[1](pp27–28)
Outer enclosure[edit]
The outer enclosure (3. enclosure) has a length of 328 metres (1,076 ft) and a breadth of 151 metres (495 ft) An additional wall divides the inner area in two. In the eastern court are a moat and the temple-complex Prasat Thom; in the western court is the pyramid, called Prang. The eastern court with a length of 153 metres (502 ft) is nearly square, the western court has a length of 171 metres (561 ft).
Moat[edit]
The moat in the eastern court is about 47 metres (154 ft) wide. It borders the Prasat Thom. Lined by trees it looks really pictorially. Two dams, one at the east side, the other at the west side are leading to the ground within the moat. The dams are flanked by Naga-balustrades. On the eastern dam between the Nagas was additionally a colonnade with pillars. Behind each Naga of the east side was standing a huge Garuda (s. above).
Prasat Thom[edit]
Probably some parts of the Prasat Thom including the moat and the 1. (inner) enclosure were built before 921 AD. The sanctuary was expanded under the reign of Jayavarman IV and has now two surrounding walls inside of the moat. The first wall (inner wall) is made of brick; the second wall (outer wall) with a length of 66 m (217 ft) and a breath of 55 m (180 ft) is made of laterite. Two doors are in the east and in the west. The doors of the second wall have a cruciform plan. The doors of the first wall are smaller and not of cruciform layout. The plane between the first and second wall is completely overbuilt with rectangular structures, possibly later additions. In the center court is the sanctuary and opposite it are two so‑called libraries. Behind the sanctuary on a rectangular platform stand nine towers in two rows (one of five, one four towers). Twelve smaller prasats in groups of three surround the platform. All 21 towers once housed lingas.[1](pp27–29)
Prang[edit]
The seven‑tiered pyramid called Prang was probably the state temple of Jayavarman IV. Construction of the sanctuary was started in 928 AD. At ground level one, side of the square building measures 62 m (203 ft). The height is 36 m (118 ft). Originally on the top platform stood a huge lingam probably more than 4 m (13 ft) high and having a weight of several tons. Inscriptions say that it was the tallest and most beautiful Shiva-ling-am. The ling-am probably stood in a shrine which some researchers say could have been about 15 m (49 ft) high. On the north side of the pyramid is a steep staircase leading to the top. The original stairs are in a very bad condition as is the bamboo-ladder which was constructed in the 20th century, so it is forbidden to climb to the top of the pyramid via this route. There is however a new staircase which can be used to ascend to the top tit of the pyramid. Concerning the seventh tier some scientists say, this was the platform of the shrine because on its sides beautiful reliefs of Garudas were made. There is just one Khmer temple which resembles the temple Baksey Chamkrong in Angkor. But the four‑tiered monument there is much smaller and has a staircase on each of the four sides. On the platform on the top of the Baksey Chamkrong is a prasat in a good condition.[1](pp27–30)
Tomb of the White Elephant[edit]
Behind the court with the seven‑tiered pyramid is an artificial hill of exact circle form covered with trees. It is named Tomb of the White elephant. "The white Elephant" is a very well-known legend in southeast Asia. There are different theories about the hill. Some say that this structure could be the foundation of a second pyramid. Others say that it could be the grave of Jayavarman IV. The steep path leading to the top of the hill is closed now because of security reasons.[1](pp7–8)
Sanctuaries along the access road[edit]
Prasat Pram[edit]
The most south sanctuary of this group is the Prasat Pram on the west side of the road. A small (300 metres (328 yd)) long path leads to the monument. It has five towers or prasats (pram = five). Three brick towers stand in a row on the same platform. They face east. The central one is a bit taller than the others. In each of these prasats, once stood a lingam. These and the beautifully carved lintels were looted. Two prasats (faced west) are standing in front of the platform. One is built of brick and has diamond‑shaped holes in the upper part. This fact indicates that this tower once served as a fire sanctuary (fire cults were very important during the era of the Khmer kings). The other building is small, made of laterite and (in comparison with the brick towers) in bad condition. The bricks of small regular size are held together with an organic mortar of unknown composition (plant sap?). Originally the towers were covered by white stucco; remains of it can still be seen. Two of the towers are pictorially covered by roots. The five towers are surrounded by an enclosure. The collapsed entrance door (gopuram) is at the east side. Two artefacts of the Prasat Pram can be seen in the National Museum in Phnom Penh: A damaged lion statue and fragments of a standing four-armed Vishnu.[1](p19)
Prasat Neang Khmau[edit]
[1](p20)
Prasat Bak[edit]
More north than the Prasat Neang Khmau and on the west side of the road is the Prasat Bak, a small square sanctuary built of laterite; one side measures only 5 m (16 ft). The temple which is in a very bad condition today housed till 1960 a colossal statue of Ganesha (Ganesha is a Hindu god, son of Shiva and Uma. He is depicted with a human body and an elephant's head). It is known, that the sculpture with the sitting Ganesha now is in a collection outside of Cambodia.[9]
Prasat Chen[edit]
This sanctuary is the most north of this group and lies too on the west side of the street. It has two enclosures. The main entrance door (now collapsed) was itself a sanctuary with a square central room (one side measured 4 m (13 ft)). Three laterite towers (partially collapsed) stand on the same platform. In front of them are the remains of two brick libraries. The statue of the two fighting monkey kings Sugriva and Valin (figures of the Hindu epic Ramayana) was found at this site and is now in the National Museum in Phnom Penh. A fragment of a multi-armed statue of Vishnu was found in front of the tower in the middle. In this temple are five inscriptions. They mention the names of all the numerous peoples connected to the temple site and their function. [1](p33)
Monuments along the ring-road[edit]
Prasat Balang (Prasat Leung Moi)[edit]
The Prasat Balang is the first of three Linga-Shrines standing along the ring-road. It is a square laterite building standing on a platform and has one doorway and an open roof. In the sanctuary is an impressive lingam standing on yoni. The phallus-symbol is about 2 m (7 ft) high, has a diameter of nearly 1 m (39 in) and a weight of several tons. Together with the yoni it was carved out of the bedrock at this place. The lingam is in a good condition. The yoni is about 1 m (39 in) high and looks like an altar. On all four sides once were carved reliefs. In each of the four corners stood a beautiful chiselled Garudu with raised arms giving the impression these mythical figures would bear the yoni. Unfortunately the reliefs and the Garudas were looted. Around the Yoni there is just a small space giving room for some priests to perform the prescribed rituals. The water they put on the lingam became holy by touching the symbol of Shiva, run down and was collected in a ditch of the yoni. Then via a spout (with is still intact) it flowed to the outside of the shrine where believers could touch the blessed water.[1](p26)
Prasat Thneng (Prasat Leung Pee)[edit]
The Prasat Thneng is very similar to the Prasat Balang. Unfortunately looters tried to hack away the impressive lingam but were not successful. A notch of about a depth of half a meter (20 in) is left but the Shicva-symbol is still standing unshakeable at its place on the damaged yoni.
Leung Bye[edit]
Prasat Leung Bon[edit]
Prasat Andong Kuk (Prasat Sralau)[edit]
[1](p25)
Prasat Krachap[edit]
[1](p24)
Prasat Bantaey Pee Chean[edit]
[1](p23)
Prasat Chrap[edit]
Prasat Damrei[edit]
A small path is leading from the ring-road to the Prasat Damrei (damrei = elephant). This sanctuary has an enclosure and is standing on a high platform. On each of the four sides is a staircase with about ten steps. Totally eight stone lions flanked once the stairs but only one of them is at the original place. On all four corners of the platform once stood a beautiful elephant sculpture but only two of them remain. The sanctuary built of brick is in a good condition. A Sanskrit inscription found at this temple gives evidence for the erstwhile lingam on the top of the pyramid (Prang).[1](p22)
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จาก http://www.kohker-tours.com/koh-ker.html
Koh Ker - Temple Town Tours 01. In 928 Koh Ker became the capital of the Khmer empire, during the reign of King Jayavarman IV. The landmark of Koh Ker is the perfect step pyramid belonging to the vast complex of Prasat Thom. More than a dozen temples can be visited. Among temple towns of this size, Koh is the only one that remains untouristed. Koh Ker templesCompared to earlier examples, many sandstone towers in and around Prasat Thom are of enormous size and, besides Phnom Bok in Angkor, sheltered the largest Lingas known in Cambodia. The French archaeologist Lunet die Lajonquière came to the conclusion, that, given the limitations of Khmer constuction techniques, the use of wooden carpentry had to be extended in Koh Ker.A characteristic of both architecture and the sculpture of Koh Ker is the use of huge blocks of stone. Sandstone was abundantly available in this area and, compared to Angkor, there was less of a problem in moving it. Nevertheless, brick still predominant as material, but the use natural stone, sandstone and also laterite, was increasing. Square ground plans were the most common, but rectangular buildings occur more often than in previous periods, from now on not only for galleries, but for libraries and other kinds of edifices, too. In particular, the evolution of galleries, only hinted at in earlier periods, makes some advance at Koh Ker’s principal temple Prasat Thom, both in the almost continuous series of gallery buildings of its second enclosure and in the uninterrupted semi-open column hall of Prasat Thom's exterior gate. The arrangement of towers in quincunx, which began at the Bakheng and became a favourite pattern for some time was less predominent in Koh Ker, however, it occurs at Prasat Krachap. All the monuments in Koh Ker are dedicated to Hindu deities, mainly Shiva. Remarkably, there are no shrines for the Buddha. This is in contrast to earlier and later periods of Khmer history, when the Buddha, besides Shiva and Vishnu, used to be venerated as one of the three most important supernatural beings “imported” from India - despite the fact that in this country of origin the Buddha was regarded as unorthodox or even heretical by devotees of Shiva and Vishnu. |
02.strangler fig at north-western tower of Prasat Pram,
more on our page Southern Group
03.
Temple Groups
The temples of Koh Ker can be considered in three groups.
1. the ruins of the fortified capital with the main complex of Prasat Thom and the pyramid Prasat Prang to north of the Rahal reservoir
2. a row of temples to the north and east of the Rahal Baray is oriented to it, all of them located at the eastern part of the ring road circling around the city reservoir
3. some more smaller Prasats to the south of the Rahal and oriented regularly to the east, many of them with enclosing walls
Prasat Damrei and neighbouring large temples are usually ascribed to the northern group, but some guidebooks and websites count them among the southern temples.
1. the ruins of the fortified capital with the main complex of Prasat Thom and the pyramid Prasat Prang to north of the Rahal reservoir
2. a row of temples to the north and east of the Rahal Baray is oriented to it, all of them located at the eastern part of the ring road circling around the city reservoir
3. some more smaller Prasats to the south of the Rahal and oriented regularly to the east, many of them with enclosing walls
Prasat Damrei and neighbouring large temples are usually ascribed to the northern group, but some guidebooks and websites count them among the southern temples.
most important temples
Prasat Thom is Koh Ker's largest temple compound. Prasat Thom in a narrow sense is only a part of the whole complex of the imperial temple, namely the concentric temple with three enclosing walls and a wide moat. To the east of it is the gate called Prasat Krahom and the so-called palaces. Immediately to the west of the core temple Prasat Thom is the step pyramid, landmark of Koh Ker, and the artificial mound called tomb of the white elephant.
Prasat Balang at the northern end of the northern temple group is a good example among five quite similar Linga shrines. The Lingams inside these temples are of enormous size.
Prasat Krachap is one of the four larger complexes of the northern group. Prasat Krachap has well-preserved inscriptions,for example at the western entrance gate.
Prasat Banteay Pirchan (Banteay Pee Chean) is the only Khmer temple complex dedicated to Brahma, who is part of the so called Trimurti of highest Hind gods. This is one of the most picturesque ruins of Koh Ker.
Prasat Chrap has a typical row of three Prasats.
Prasat Damrei is famous for its elephant and lion sculptures.
Prasat Neang Khmau is built o laterite, the stone became bluish and dark due to oxidation.
Prasat Chen (Chin) got its name "chinese temple" because of the queus of hair of remarkable statues found here, Koh Ker's "fighting monkeys" are now on display in the National Mueseum in Phnom Penh.
Prasat Pram (Bram) is the fairy tale temple of Koh Ker, the roots strangling the north-western Prasat are like in a picture book of a temple lost in the jungle, see it on the photo above or as the title photo of this website.
Prasat Balang at the northern end of the northern temple group is a good example among five quite similar Linga shrines. The Lingams inside these temples are of enormous size.
Prasat Krachap is one of the four larger complexes of the northern group. Prasat Krachap has well-preserved inscriptions,for example at the western entrance gate.
Prasat Banteay Pirchan (Banteay Pee Chean) is the only Khmer temple complex dedicated to Brahma, who is part of the so called Trimurti of highest Hind gods. This is one of the most picturesque ruins of Koh Ker.
Prasat Chrap has a typical row of three Prasats.
Prasat Damrei is famous for its elephant and lion sculptures.
Prasat Neang Khmau is built o laterite, the stone became bluish and dark due to oxidation.
Prasat Chen (Chin) got its name "chinese temple" because of the queus of hair of remarkable statues found here, Koh Ker's "fighting monkeys" are now on display in the National Mueseum in Phnom Penh.
Prasat Pram (Bram) is the fairy tale temple of Koh Ker, the roots strangling the north-western Prasat are like in a picture book of a temple lost in the jungle, see it on the photo above or as the title photo of this website.
Walled City in Koh Ker
To the north and west of the Rahal and oriented like it are the remnants of a walled enclosure. Like in Angkor, the fortified part of the city formed only the core of a much larger settlement. The walled city covered an square of about 1.2 km width. This capital of Jayavarman IV included the main temple complex, Prasat Thom, within its walls, whereas almost all other important sanctuaries are situated outside the city walls.
Rahal Baray of Koh Ker
The very centre of Koh Ker is a former freshwater reservoir called Rahal Baray, now dried up. Not much can be seen at its site today, but it is worth mentioning and helps to understand the layout of Koh Ker. And indeed the laterite embankments are the largest structure in Koh Ker.
The Rahal Baray is located to the south of Prasat Leung and Prasat Thom. It is 1,200 m long and 560 m wide. This is not nearly as huge as Angkor’s East Baray, which was constructed a few decades earlier, it ie even smaller than the first notable Khmer reservoir, the Indrataka in Roluos. But the Rahal Baray in Koh Ker was far more difficult to engineer, since the topography required it to dig part of it from solid rock. The artificial reservoir is an expansion of the valley of a small affluent of the Stung Sen river, flowing into its northeast corner from the north and out of its south-eastern corner towards the south-east.
Furthermore, the topography is the reason for the unconventional orientation, north-south instead of east-west and slightly shifted, 15 degree west. The unusual orientation of the Rahal Baray in turn determined the even more unorthodox orientation of the walled city and of the temples of the northern an northwestern groups of edifices.
The purpose of the Baray was evidently to provide a supply of water for the irrigation of paddy cultivation, though the irrigation function of Khmer Barays was disputed by archaeologists. Several ponds to the north, north-east and west seem to be the remains of irrigation works. Remains of a laterite sluice are still visible.
The Rahal Baray is located to the south of Prasat Leung and Prasat Thom. It is 1,200 m long and 560 m wide. This is not nearly as huge as Angkor’s East Baray, which was constructed a few decades earlier, it ie even smaller than the first notable Khmer reservoir, the Indrataka in Roluos. But the Rahal Baray in Koh Ker was far more difficult to engineer, since the topography required it to dig part of it from solid rock. The artificial reservoir is an expansion of the valley of a small affluent of the Stung Sen river, flowing into its northeast corner from the north and out of its south-eastern corner towards the south-east.
Furthermore, the topography is the reason for the unconventional orientation, north-south instead of east-west and slightly shifted, 15 degree west. The unusual orientation of the Rahal Baray in turn determined the even more unorthodox orientation of the walled city and of the temples of the northern an northwestern groups of edifices.
The purpose of the Baray was evidently to provide a supply of water for the irrigation of paddy cultivation, though the irrigation function of Khmer Barays was disputed by archaeologists. Several ponds to the north, north-east and west seem to be the remains of irrigation works. Remains of a laterite sluice are still visible.
Koh Ker history
Even before Jayavarman IV became king and Koh Ker the new capital in 928, he had started an ambitious building programme in his residential town, which had been a powerful provincial city already rivalling Angkor. Since the Khmer kings in Angkor remained childless, Jayavarman IV, who was a son of their aunt Mahendradevi and married with another aunt of them, may have been a legitimate successor, not an usurper, all the more so as the maternal line played a more important role in Southeast Asia. Jayavarman had already contested the rule of his cousins during their reign in Angkor. In 921 he had placed the largest Linga of Khmer history on top of the until then highest pyramid in Cambodia. Lingapura, “Linga town” became the name of Koh Ker, which is the name of the modern village. In inscriptions, the ancient city was mostly called Chok Gargyar, “city of brightness”. They mention collection of taxes and compulsory labourers from far away provinces. When Jayavarman IV died in 941, his younger son, who was not the designated heir to the throne, succeeded him as Harshavarman II, due to the help of a mighty cousin. When the new king died in mysterious circumstances after only two years, this cousin seized power. This mighty King Rajendravarman II decided to shift the capital back to Angkor. Only few temples were built in Koh Ker after the reign of Jayavarman IV, the last one was a chapel of a hospital built by the first Buddhist Khmer king, Jayavarman VII.Read more about Koh Ker’s history here...
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