|
BACKGROUND
Ta Som has not been restored. It is
a small quiet temple and affords a delightful visit. In the past one of the
significant features of Ta Som was the growth of fig trees the faces at the
entrance towers. These have been cut from the east tower but they are still
visible at the west one.
|
LAYOUT
Ta Som is a single tower monument
on one level surrounded by three enclosing walls with entry on the east and west
carved with four faces, the face on the right of the east tower (1) (facing the
temple) has a beautiful smile. The entry towers are in the shape of a cross with
a small room on each side connecting to a laterite wall.
Walk through the first entry tower
over a causeway, which crosses a moat and is bordered with serpents and large
Garudas. The wall of the second enclosure is in laterite (2) with a sandstone
entry tower in the shape of a cross on the east and west sides (3). The entry
towers have windows with balusters on the exterior and proceeded by a porch with
pillars.
The next enclosure comprises a laterite and sandstone gallery with corner
pavilions (4), which have molded false doors. Amongst the crumbled heaps of
stones in the courtyard are two libraries (5) opening to the west.
|
New Page 2
|
CENTRAL
SANCTUARY
The main tower (6) is in the shape
of a cross with four porches. To see the Central Sanctuary, courtyard and
libraries, climb through the opening on the north side.
UP
|