Preah Vihear temple
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.
The World Heritage Committee,
meeting for its 32nd session, finished inscribing the Temple of Preah
Vihear sites on UNESCO?s World Heritage List on 8 July with the addition
of 19 cultural sites and eight natural sites to the List.
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Preah
Vihear Temple is located in a pleasant environment with an attractive
countryside slightly east of the mid section of the Dongrek Mountains.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.The temple has four levels and four courtyards
which comprise of five Gopuras ( entrance pavilions some times
surmounted by tower )
Palace Building or Gopuras on the third
level: 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.
Koh Ker temple
Koh Ker was once an ancient capital of Cambodia, located in Srayong
Cheung village, Srayong commune, Kulen district, about 49 kilometers
west of the provincial town. The Koh Ker complex is on the Chhork Koki
highland. It was built by King Jayavaraman IV (AD 928-942). Koh Ker
temple is 35 meters high, and its design resembles a seven-stepped
stupa. The temple faces west toward Angkor city. It was built to worship
Treypuvanesvara, the god of happiness.
