Towering
but plainly decorated temple-mountain dedicated to Shiva. Known in its
time as ‘the mountain with golden peaks.’ The first to be constructed
wholly of sandstone, this temple employs huge sandstone blocks.
Constructed under three kings, begun by Jayavarman V as his state-temple
and continued under Jayaviravarman and Suryavarman I. When Jayavarman V
first constructed Ta Keo, he part ways with previous kings, placing his
state temple outside of the capital area. Construction seems to have
stopped particularly early in the decoration phase as evidenced by the
lack of carvings. Ta Keo is well worth a visit, but if you are pressed
for time, see Pre Rup instead. |