Ta Keo's lack of ornament makes it distinctive among the works of the
Khmer, who were so prodigal of decoration. But its very simplicity give it
architectural importance, its plan shows the development of anew spirit in the
people, the growth of good taste.
Location:
Ta Keo is locate in the east of Thommanon and Chau Say
Tevoda. A enter and leave by the south or east entrances.
Tip:
The ascent to this temple is step and because of its orientation a visit in the
morning is preferable.
It was built in the end of the tenth century to early 11th century
by the King Jayavarman V to Suryavarman I
dedicated to Siva (Hindu), replica to Kleang
style of art.
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BACKGROUND
An unusual aspect of this temple is
that it remains unfinished; the reason for its no completion is unknown. Had it
been finished, Ta Keo would undoubtedly have been one of the finest temples at
Angkor. It is an imposing sight, scaling 22 meters (72feet) to the sky, and
gives an impression of power. Ta Keo is the first temple built entirely in
sandstone and as such serves as a milestone in Khmer history. Enormous blocks of
stone were cut to a regular size and placed in position. The absence of
decoration at ta Keo gives it a simplicity of design that separates it from the
other monuments.
LAYOUT
Ta Keo is square in Plan with five
towers arranged like the dots on the face of a die and stands majestically on a
terrace that is 12 meters (39 feet) high with three tiers. It is a
representation of Mount Meru. The base has fine molding. The temple has two
enclosures (1 and 2) with entry towers on each side. There are inscription on
the pilasters of the east entry tower (3). The first two tiers of the platform
form the base of two courtyards. One is enclosed by a wall the other by a
gallery, the gallery is too narrow to permit walking around.
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The east entrance to Ta Keo is
marked by a causeway over a moat that is preceded by lions and boundary stones (
not shown on the plan ). The entry tower in the exterior wall was made of
sandstone with a central tower and three passages. On each
side of the east wall there was a long hall (4) that was probably a
shelter for pilgrims. It was preceded by a porch with pillars (5).
The second terrace has a molded laterite base with four sandstone entry towers,
one on each side. It is surrounded by a sandstone gallery lit by windows on the
in terrier. The gallery completely surrounds the terrace and has openings on
each of the four sides. On the east there are two long halls (6) of the same
type as the rest halls on the first terrace. Two libraries (7) open to the west.
CENTRAL
AREA
The upper level is square and
stands on a tiered base with stairways on each side> Most of the space on the
upper level is occupied by the five tower, all unfinished, opening
to the four cardinal points. The Central Sanctuary (8) dominates the
layout. It is raised above the other towers and is given further importance by
the development of porches and pediments. The interior of the central tower is
undecorated
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