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It was
built in the end of the ninth century beginning of the tenth century
dedicated to the Hindu Trinity- Siva, Visnu and Brahma, with following to
Prasat Bakheng art style.
BACKGROUND
Yasovarman I built a
temple on each of the three hills dominating the plain of Angkor Bakheng, Phnom
Krom and Phnom Bok. The temple of Phnom Krom is visible from the airplane as one
fly into Siem Reap.
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LAYOUT
Phnom Krom is a
square plan and consists of three towers in a row (1) situated dramatically on a
hilltop. They were dedicated to Siva, Visnu and Brahma respectively. The upper
portions of the towers have collapsed and the facades are very degraded but
otherwise they remain intact. The towers are enclosed by a literate wall (2)
intersected on each side by an entry tower in the shape of a cross (3). Three
long halls built of laterite (only the bases of which remain) parallel the wall
around the courtyard (4). They probably served as rest houses. Four small
building inside the courtyard preceded the sanctuaries (5). They are similar
except that the two at either end are brick and the two in the middle are
sandstone. All four have a series of holes in the walls, which suggests they may
have been used as crematoriums.
CENTRAL TOWERS
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The three central
towers stand on a north south axis on a low rectangular platform with molding
constructed of sandstone paving over a laterite base (6). Two sides of the base
are intercepted by three stairways with lions on the landings. The towers are
square and originally had four recessed tiers on the upper portion. they open to
the east and west with false doors on the north
south. Traces of decoration remain around the base of the platform near the
stairs, on the pilasters, the panels of the false doors, the cornices and on
niches in the corners. The upper terrace affords a panoramic view of the Great
Lake and the surrounding plain.
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