Preah Vihear
In the 6th century, King Yasovarmamn I ( 889-900) began work
on the original dedicated to Shisa as result of spiritual development, increased
political prestige and economic growth was naturally reflected in the Temple
undergoing more than 300 years of consultation with deal of remodeling under
subsequent King Suryavarman II ( 1113 – 1150) this increased prestige naturally
changed the original small sanctuary into one of the greatest Khmer temples of
all times. This ranking was the result of the finest in situ carving that
depicted the highest standards of unique Khmer architecture.
Under the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1904 and 1907, the line
of frontier between Cambodia
and Thai along the Dongrak Mountains followed justice at the
Hague officially found that the Preah
Vihear Temple
situated inside the Cambodia
territory.
It is perched on the edge of a giant cliff, about 625 meters
above sea level in Preah Vihear Province ,
Northern part of Cambodia , 625km
from the capital city of Phnom Penh .
It is also situated close to the Cambodia-Thai border.
What can seen in Preah
Vihear Temple
The temple has four levels and four courtyards which
comprise of five Gopuras ( entrance pavilions some times surmounted by tower )
This group of building was the King’s residence when he came
to pay homage to the mighty God, and the two wings were the shelters for the
pilgrims. The main temple are used for the high-ranking supreme divinities, this
mighty group of building is considered as the center of the whole temple
complex.
The front stone stairway: this main passage is on the North
side. The stairway is 8 meters wide and 78 meters long,. The fist flight has 162
steps. At the first landing is a large stone singa statue on stone block. Another
54 flight of steps 4 meters wide and 27 meters long leads up to the second
landing also decorated with stone signa statue.
The Nagaraj Courtyard: this stone-paved is 7 meters wide by 31.8
meters long. From here the stairway leads up to the first-level Gropura. The
Stairheads are in the form of seven-headed snakes called "Ngu Suang "
facing North towards the Prasat. The heads and tails of nagas on both sides
look like ordinary snakes, characterizing and early example of this type of
animal figures. The head portion of the naga on the west side looks very
impressive because it is made from a single solid stone.
The first level Gopura: this is a pavilion in Greek
architecture style with cross plan on an elevated, rebates angle base on each
of the roof doorway . Stone lions are placed on each of the roofs doorway.
Accessibility to the Temple
The temple can be reached by crossing the Cambodia-Thai
gateway border from the Ubon Ratchantani Province of Thailand. Currently the
visits are from 8.00 till 16.00 hours.
The Grandeur of its site
For all the grandeur of its site, perched on the edge of a
giant cliff and with a commanding view over northern Cambodia , Preah Vihear is difficult
to visualize as a whole. The experience is truly a memorable one – the series
of ascents over the best part of a kilometer, the ornate Gopuras and the wealth
of decorative detail truly staggers one’s imagination.
