The majestic ziggurat of Ta Keo, most enigmatic of the minor
fanes, stepping up toward the sun with dignity and power suggestive of Angkor vat. It is dripping with green and crowned with
trees, but is still supreme over the forest.
Its rocky masses, rising above the tops of the coconut palms,
convert the impression that it only recently emerged from some cavern
underground, carrying the forest with it in its rocketing ascent.
Ta Keo's lack of ornament makes it distinctive among the
works of the Khmer, who were so prodigal of decoration. But its very simplicity
give it architectural importance, its plan shows the development of anew spirit
in the people, the growth of good taste.
Ta Keo is locate in the east of Thommanon and ChauSay Tevoda.
A enter and leave by the south or east entrances.
Tip: The ascent to this temple is step and because of its
orientation a visit in the morning is preferable.
It was built in the end of the tenth century to early 11th
century by the King Jayavarman V to Suryavarman I dedicated to Siva (Hindu), replica
to Kleang style of art.
BACKGROUND
An unusual aspect of this temple is that it remains
unfinished; the reason for its no completion is unknown. Had it been finished, Ta
Keo would undoubtedly have been one of the finest temples at Angkor .
It is an imposing sight, scaling 22 meters (72feet) to the sky, and gives an
impression of power.
Ta Keo is the first temple built entirely in sandstone and
as such serves as a milestone in Khmer history. Enormous blocks of stone were
cut to a regular size and placed in position. The absence of decoration at ta
Keo gives it a simplicity of design that separates it from the other monuments.
LAYOUT
Ta Keo is square in Plan with five towers arranged like the
dots on the face of a die and stands majestically on a terrace that is 12 meters
(39 feet) high with three tiers. It is a representation of Mount Meru
There are inscription on the pilasters of the east entry
tower. The first two tiers of the platform form the base of two courtyards. One
is enclosed by a wall the other by a gallery, the gallery is too narrow to
permit walking around.
The east entrance to Ta Keo is marked by a causeway over a
moat that is preceded by lions and boundary stones (not shown on the plan ). The
entry tower in the exterior wall was made of sandstone with a central tower and
three passages. On each side of the east wall there was a long hall that was
probably a shelter for pilgrims. It was preceded by a porch with pillars.
The second terrace has a molded laterite base with four
sandstone entry towers, one on each side. It is surrounded by a sandstone
gallery lit by windows on the in terrier. The gallery completely surrounds the
terrace and has openings on each of the four sides. On the east there are two
long halls of the same type as the rest halls on the first terrace. Two
libraries open to the west.
CENTRAL AREA
The upper level is square and stands on a tiered base with
stairways on each side> Most of the space on the upper level is occupied by
the five tower, all unfinished, opening to the four cardinal points. The
Central Sanctuary dominates the layout. It is raised above the other towers and
is given further importance by the development of porches and pediments. The interior
of the central tower is undecorated
