Temple of Preah Vihear
Prasat Preah Vihear · Prasat Preah Vihear Mountain
Khmer Empire 893–1150 CE (peak 11th–12th c)·Khmer Hindu (Shaiva)·🇰🇭 Preah Vihear Province, Dangrek Mountains, Cambodia
About
About Temple of Preah Vihear
Dangrek escarpment Shiva temple (9th–12th c) aligned 800 m north-south axial causeway stairway rising 525 m, built by six kings (Yasovarman I to Suryavarman II). Four gopura tiers climb from Nandi Hall at plain to Shiva linga sanctuary at cliff brink with 500 m vista to Cambodian plain, exemplifying Khmer sacred mountain mimicking natural linga on natural pyramid.
Why it mattersDangrek escarpment Shiva temple (9th–12th c) aligned 800 m north-south axial causeway stairway rising 525 m, built by si
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01International Court 1962 and 2013 Thai-Cambodian dispute – how demarcated?
- 02Cliff-face stability vs stone block slippage
Theories
- 01Preah Vihear as Mount Meru at liminal Khmer-Thai geography
- 02Gopura progression models Angkor spiritual ascent but natural height
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- 893 Yasovarman I foundation; major 11th–12th c under Suryavarman I & II
- Period
- Khmer Empire 893–1150 CE (peak 11th–12th c)
- Culture
- Khmer Hindu (Shaiva)
- Purpose
- Mountain pilgrimage Shiva temple and imperial border marker
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
893 Yasovarman I foundation; major 11th–12th c under Suryavarman I & II
Initial construction
c. 1681 CE
Major expansion
On the ground
Structures & features
14.3920° N · 104.6800° E · 525 m · 3 mapped features
Causeway and first gopura (Nandi Hall)
gopuraLower pavilion at plain foot of stair
14.3890° N · 104.6800° EUpper cliff sanctuary Shiva linga shrine
sanctuarySummit sanctuary on 625 m cliff brink
14.3925° N · 104.6805° EThird gopura and Naga balustrade
gopuraMid-level gopura with naga stairs
14.3910° N · 104.6800° E
Gallery