Next up was Phnom Bakheng for a view of the sunset. Unfortunately, it was pretty overcast so we didn't get the full effect, but it was still pretty, and to be honest, we were so tired by that time that we didn't really care...
"Phnom Bakheng is a Hindu temple in the form of a temple mountain. Dedicated to Shiva (a Hindu god), it was built at the end of the 9th century, during the reign of King Yasovarman. It is a symbolic representation of Mount Meru, home of the Hindu gods, a status emphasized by the temple’s location atop a steep hill."
Here's a little tidbit I found interesting when looking up information on this temple: "Jean Filliozat of the Ecole Francaise, a leading authority on Indian cosmology and astronomy, interpreted the symbolism of the temple. The temple sits on a rectangular base and rises in five levels and is crowned by five main towers. One hundred four smaller towers are distributed over the lower four levels, placed so symmetrically that only 33 can be seen from the center of any side. Thirty-three is the number of gods who dwelt on Mount Meru. Phnom Bakheng's total number of towers is also significant. The center one represents the axis of the world and the 108 smaller ones represent the four lunar phases, each with 27 days. The seven levels of the monument represent the seven heavens and each terrace contains 12 towers which represent the 12-year cycle of Jupiter. According to University of Chicago scholar Paul Wheatley, it is 'an astronomical calendar in stone.'"
This is Baksei Chamkrong.
It was built during the early 10th century at the foot of Phnom Bakheng. It is the only pyramid temple in this area that survives from that era.
Still smiles at the end of a long day.
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