by: Vongsen Pisey
Prasat Preah Vihear is an ancient Khmer temple in
Cambodia situated at the top of 525 meters cliff in the Dangrek Mountains.
Preah Vihear province is about 320 km from Phnom Penh.
This temple was constructed to dedicate to the Hindu
God, Shiva and it is the first temple in the early 9(th) century. We can find
inscription at the temple about sacred rituals, celebrations, religious
festivals and making gifts of Suryavarman II.
Phreah Vihear temple was selected by UNESCO World Heritage as the world’s greatest landmark. The architecture of this temple was adapted to the natural environment and religious function. The design of buildings and their materials express well values of the property.
Preah Vihear temple is unique in its style of
architecture with an overwhelming view of the province atop. This temple has
four courtyards and levels comprising five Gopuras.
On the first level Gopura is Greek architecture style
and each doorway adorned by stone lions. Moreover, Nagaraj Courtyard is made
from a single solid stone that had seven headed snakes called Ngu Suang. The
front stone stairway is a large stone located on the first and second steps
with stone signa statue. Third level Gopuras was the place where the king prays
to the God, and the two wings on its side were the shelters for the pilgrims.
The best time to see the beauty of Phreah Vihear is in
the morning and evening. In the morning time, one can watch mountains bathed in
sunlight while unwinding in fresh cool air from surrounding mountains and
forests. Evening is also a great time, where clouds and thick fog spells cold
ambiance. Picture taking is good at this moment as sun sets in.
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