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ArchitectureDon Khum Ngoen
Fallen to a state of dilapidated and ruined, thus causes the irregularity of a formal structure of Khmer temple at this monument. For instance, sandstone slabs for construction are significantly thinner than normal, also there are some traces indicating a number of sandstone slaps were used to building enclosure rather than the sanctuary.The complex is composed of the decrepit sandstone tower with only its foundation remains which makes it impossible to understand the original form of the tower. At the east front of the main tower there is a sandstone slabs-lined square pool with stairs. A rectangular building located northeast of the main temple with the sandstone wall was the building which housed Mahendravarman’s inscription on the bull statue’s pedestal. Its surrounding area shows parts of sandstone barriers, most importantly a conduit for a libation or somasutra on the western side which probably ran from the cella or the pool.
ArchitecturePrasat Phanom Rung
Prasat Phanom Rung is a massive monument on a hill-top and faces east. Principal buildings from the front or the east leading to the central sanctuary are as follow;1. Greek-cross entrance gate (gopura) - only a laterite base remains, the upper parts are possibly made of wood.2. Disrobing pavilion, north of the entrance gate3. Processional walkway, beyond the entrance gate, flanked by pillars. The walkway is then terminated by the Naga bridge with a cross-shaped terrace4. The Naga bridge leads to the 5 sets of upper stairway climbing up the inner sanctuary, namely the central sanctuary and other principal buildings.5. Outside of the gallery to the east, there is a base of a building probably a wooden hall which explains why its main body was already gone as wood is not a sustainable material. A large amount of roof tiles were uncovered in the area. The layout of the floor plan is in a cross-shaped form leaving 4 ditches on the ground. This building used to connect to a colonnade, now ruined, enclosing the sandstone gallery6. The sandstone and laterite gallery with gopuras on all four sides surrounding the main sanctuary and other minor buildings. 7. The main sandstone sanctuary surrounded by the gallery faces east. Apart from the main sanctuary other minor buildings in the compound are two brick towers to the north, the lesser tower to the southwest and two rectangular plan libraries to the northeast and southeast.
ArchitectureThe Main Sanctuary of Prasat Phanom Rung
The main sanctuary or Prang, facing east, is built of sandstone. The sanctuary stands on an indented base. Porticos leading to the cella (garbhagrha) project from the northern, southern and western sides. On the eastern side is the antarala adjacent to the rectangular mandapa which its entrances on the east, north and south. On the ridge of the roofs of porticos, antarala and mandapa are adorned with finials (brali).The stepped roofs consisted of 5 tiers; each tier a small-scale form of the sanctuary. The roofs are also adorned with the overhangs and cornered antefixes. On the very top is a kalasa or a water pot symbol, it is believed that there is a metal nine-tiered trident over the kalasa which is now lost. The garbhagrha houses a shivalinga with a somasutra, a sandstone channel used to drain away water used during ceremonies at the north portico. The mandapa contains the Nandi Bull statue, there are also carved stone blocks depicting guardian deities here, and elsewhere in porticos and around the base of the main sanctuary.
ArchitectureSombor Preikuk S1
Pre-Angkorian temple is characterized by the brick temple decorated with carving. The body of the temple is normally punctuated by series of pilasters at the corners as well as at the middle of the wall. Sombor Preikuk is decorated by six pilasters dividing the wall into five offsets. The central offset is ornamented by the miniature bas-relief temple while the side offsets are decorated by the so-called flying temples. The superstructure follows the South Indian architectural tradition, comprising the miniature superimposing tiers decorated with the miniature temples.
ArchitectureOctagonal temple: Sombor Preikuk
Some of Sombor Preikuk temples are of octagonal plan which is one of the most striking characteristics of Pre-Angkorian period. These octagonal temples are normally decorated with pilasters at each corner and the so-called flying bas-relief temple in each offset. The superstructure comprises series of sloping roofs punctuated by Kudu arches indicating the North Indian affiliation.
ArchitectureSombor Preikuk C1
Normally, most of Pre-Angkorian temples are of brick. The decoration is normally of brick carving. The temple is devoid of being redented. However, the temple is decorated by the series of pilasters at the corners as well as on the wall, typical to the period. Judging from the style of the lintels, because this temple is datable to the transition period between Prei-Kmeng and Kampong Preah, this temple is later than those of the Southern and Northern group. Interestingly, the front staircase and the pair of lions are of monolithic. As the lions are fixed as the guardians, this temple is call “Lion Prasada”
ArchitecturePreah Aram Rong Chen
Preah Aram Rong Chen is the temple constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman II for enshrining the royal Śivalinga in accordance to the Devarājā Cult. The temple, not lost, was erected on the top of the laterite pyramidal bases, connectible to Mount Kailaśa, Śiva’s abode. Thereafter, the temple on the temple on the stepped pyramidal bases would become the normal tradition for the royal temple in accordance with Devarājā cult.
ArchitecturePrasat Damrei Krap
Hoa Lai style of Cham architecture is characterized by the pilasters which are normally arranged in the series of four and the band decoration in the center of these pilasters. These characters are similar to Hoa Lai style in Vietnam. The Garuda decorating the capital is also reminiscent of the same pattern at Hoa Lai. However, this temple is unfinished because the band at the center of the pilasters is devoid of any motifs.
