- Address: Svay Chrum Village, Kan Tout Commune, in Choam Khsant District of Preah Vihear province
- Area: 155 hectares
- Start of construction: 893.
- Architectural style: Khmer culture
- Working hours: 8.00-16.00
The temple of Preahvihea in Cambodia is one of many relics of the Kingdom of Cambodia . For a long time, the temple structure was the subject of controversy between Cambodia and Thailand because of its geographical location. The dispute was resolved in 2008, when the temple was enlarged by the UNESCO List and began to have two separate entrances from the territory of each disputing state.
Preahvihea strikes with many sanctuaries and temples dedicated to the god Shiva and his deeds. The temple is lost in the jungle, which beneficially affected him and his artifacts, because they remained for a long time far from human eyes. The temple of Preahvihea is one of the local attractions also because it offers magnificent views of the emerald valleys of the northern part of the kingdom.
Few historical facts
Temple buildings of Preahvihea appeared in the IX century. At the same time, the place where the sanctuary was laid was pilgrimage in the VI century. The elevation that Preahvihea placed on itself symbolizes the sacred Mount Meru, and the buildings that began to appear later only strengthened this divine connection. The sight of the Preah Vihear was completed, replenished and refurbished for several centuries and thus became one of the great and significant structures of the Khmer empire.
What is worth seeing?
The complex of Preahvihea occupies four tiers with respect to the highest point of the hill. The journey begins on the central entrance, located on the north side. The staircase, having an impressive length of 78 meters and no less than 8 meters wide, will take you to the beginning - north-south direction. The staircase consists of 55 steps divided into platforms, each of which is decorated with stone sculpture and ceremonial galleries, as a symbol of the worship of believers in the abode of the deity of Shiva.
Unfortunately, the tiered towers that once decorated the pavilions - gopuras - have not been preserved. But there were stone sculptures of lions, which, according to legend, guard the dwelling of the god. The central courtyard of Nagaraj, paved with stone, strikes with unprecedented dimensions. Its area is 224 square meters. The central courtyard opens the way to another staircase adorned with naga - seven-headed snakes made of solid stones. In ancient times, the temple complex of Preahvihea in Cambodia during the pilgrimage of the king became his palace. Today there is almost nothing left of the main temple, but the objects found and their location leave no doubt: once it was majestic.
Useful information for tourists
The temple complex of Preahvihea is located 625 km from the capital of the kingdom of Phnom Penh and 100 km from Siem Reap in its northern part. You can reach the sights by public transport : intercity bus, transfer or taxi. Temple Preahvihea meets visitors every day from 8:00 to 16:00 hours. The entrance is free, but the ministers will be happy with the donations.
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