This is a Prasat, which is a tower structure common on many temples which represents/is a cosmic/holy mountain where the Gods live. It is a central focal point. While some temples have only one, others may have many prasats.
In Bakong there are a total of 27 Prasats of various sizes locations heights with one main one on the top center of the complex.
From here every things was laid out in a very orderly symmetrical manner.
Bakong was one of the first complexes to be built. It was built in 881.
From the top level, I looked at the carvings. They are remarkably detailed. With the sky lighting up just after the sunrise the contrast from redish rock and blue sky made for some eye candy.
A little while earlier while the sunrise was just about to come through the clouds. I had an eerie feeling about the place. A place with so much history, that has seen millions of people.
It was obviously built with a tremendous amount of effort and by people with an extremely strong conviction. Worshiped in by kings of vast kingdoms, with followers that saw the kings themselves as godly beings.
Now some time later I, alone, am standing on the top of this monument pondering its existance, its previous glory and waiting for the sun to rise again just like it has every 24 hours since the days of King Indravarman I.
3 comments:
Gorgeous photos Randy!
Great shots. The sky in the first one is awesome.
Thx...one of the first I took.
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