Prasat Lolei is at Roluos, north of Bakong. A modern
Buddhist temple is located in the grounds of Lolei near the central towers. It
can be accessed by enter and leave the temple by the stairs at the east.
Tip: Beware of the ants during certain seasons near the top
of the entrance steps.
It was built in the end of the ninth century (893) and
dedicated to Transitional between Prah Ko and Bakheng.
BACKGROUND
Although Lolei is small it is worth a visit for its carvings
and inscription. The temple
of Lolei
According to an inscription found at the temple the water in
this pond was for use at the capital of Hariralaya and for irrigating the
plains in the area.
LAYOUT
The layout consists of two tiers with laterite enclosing
walls and stairway to the upper level in the center of each side. Lions on the
landings of the stairways guard the temple. A sandstone channel in the shape of
a cross situated in the center of the four towers on the upper terrace is an
unusual feature, the channels extend in the cardinal directions from a square
pedestal for a linga. It is speculated the holy water poured over the linga
flowed in the channels.
CENTRAL SANCTUARIES
Four brick tower with tiered upper portions, arranged in two
rows, on the upper terrace make up the Central Sanctuaries. As the two-north
towers are aligned on the east-west axis, it is possible the original plan had
six towers, which probably shared a common base like that at Preah Ko.
Tip: The northeast tower is the best preserved. The
entrances of the doors to the towers are cut from a single block of stone, as
at Bakong. The corners of the towers on the east are decorated with male
guardians holding tridents and those of the west with female divinities holding
flywhisks. They are sculpted in sandstone with a brick casing. The panels of
the false doors have multiple figures. The inscriptions on the doorframes are
exceptionally fine.
The workmanship on the lintels is skilled and the composition
balanced. Some noteworthy depictions are: Indra on an elephant with figures and
Makaras spewing serpents (northeast tower); Visnu riding a Garuda with a branch
of serpents (south-east tower).
