The Roluos Group
Bakong Rolous
Situated to the east of the Angkor Park the Roluos group of temples were one of the earliest of the Khmer Capital cities; The temples of Hariharlaya; were dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu. They were highly significant Pre-Angkorian sites founded by King JayavaramanII.
Shortly after its founding; the Capital moved to Kulen; due to likely military considerations. The capital returned to the Roluos area within a few years.
After the kings death in AD850, King Indravaraman continued the building program. The city was the khmer capital until King Yasovaraman moved it to Phnom Bakheng in AD 905.
Shortly after its founding; the Capital moved to Kulen; due to likely military considerations. The capital returned to the Roluos area within a few years.
After the kings death in AD850, King Indravaraman continued the building program. The city was the khmer capital until King Yasovaraman moved it to Phnom Bakheng in AD 905.
Bakong
Bakong
The Bakong, pictured left, is a highly significant pre-Angkorian site; built in the 9th century by King Indravarman I
The temple surrounded by a moat covers an area of over 800x 600 metres. The Bakong has a five stepped pyramid with a lotus flower tower at its summit. It is of unusual construction for the time as it was built of sandstone over a laterite base. Most 9th Century temples were buklt of brick.
The lotus flower tower was an addition built in the 12th Century in Angkor Wat style.
The temple surrounded by a moat covers an area of over 800x 600 metres. The Bakong has a five stepped pyramid with a lotus flower tower at its summit. It is of unusual construction for the time as it was built of sandstone over a laterite base. Most 9th Century temples were buklt of brick.
The lotus flower tower was an addition built in the 12th Century in Angkor Wat style.
Preah Ko
Preah Ko
The Temple of the Nandi or Sacred bull, consists of several brick towers with a Nandi or Sacred Bull sculpture in front. The brick towers have impressive lintels, Apsaras and the remains of some the original decorative stucco. Preah Ko was one of the first to be constructed in this temple group.
Lolei
Lolei tower
This small temple group was once the centre of an ancient reservoir named Indratataka. Consisting of four towers on a laterite base; these towers have scraps of the origial highly detailed Stucco as at Preah Ko. They were the last temples built before the Khmer capital was moved in 905 AD to Phnom Bakheng in what is now known as Angkor. Lolei stands in a modern temple Pagoda to the north of Route 6.
Of the three temple sites of the Roluos group; Lolei is not so good condition; however structural renovation work has been going on for several years.
Of the three temple sites of the Roluos group; Lolei is not so good condition; however structural renovation work has been going on for several years.
