Angkor temples

Baksei Chamkrong

This little Hindu temple, standing 150 metres north of Phnom Bakheng and 80 metres from the road leading to the south gate of Angkor Thom,  has four square tears of laterite crowned by a brick sanctuary. It might stand as a model in miniature for some of its giant neighbours.

There are references to a golden image of Shiva being kept inside, however it is no longer there.

Its construction started in 947 by king Harshavarman I (941-944) dedicated to his father Yasovarman I (889-900+) and completed by king Rajendravarman II (944-968).

Legend:

When the king had to flee from a Siamese attack, a large bird saved him from being captured by the enemy. The bird swooped down and spread his wing to shelter the king. The temple derives its name from this legend: "the bird who shelters under its wings".