Localisation

Roluos group – 15 km in the East of Siemreap  (Look map "Angkor complex")

Style

Angkorian –Preah Ko art style (End of 9th Century)

Construction - inauguration

Founded in 881 – 250 years before Angkor Wat

Initiator

State Temple of King Indravarman I

Dédicace

Hindouiste - Shivaïte

Visit
 

• 1 hour for Bakong temple (Dimensions of the site : 100 hectares)
• 2 hours for the whole Roluos Group

Caracteristics

• The Roluos Group was the centre of Khmer capital known as Harihara-Lâya (see « Cultural Glossary »)
• 8 brick towers having 5 levels enclose this mountain-temple which is the symbol of the cosmic of the Mount Meru.(see « Cultural Glossary »)
• First extensive use of sandstone.
• The Bakong was included in a vast canals and moats network, including a big reservoir of 4 sq kms which digging already began 5 days after the crowning of Indravarman I (see Chapter «Barays»)

Comments

• I recommend to visit the Bakong as a preamble to the Angkor complex
• This group of monuments will be visited early in the morning to enjoy the serenity of the site before the rush hours.
• If you have time enough, I will propose to you to combine this visit with the discovery of  Sambaur Prei Kuk.