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Mebon is a large temple-mountain-like ruin, rising three levels and
crowned by five towers. Jayavarman IV, a usurper, moved the capital from
Angkor to Koh Ker in 928AD. Sixteen years later Rajendravarman II
returned the capital to Angkor and shortly thereafter constructed East
Mebon on an island in the middle of the now dry Eastern Baray. The
temple is dedicated to Shiva in honor of the king’s parents.
Inscriptions indicate that it was also built to help reestablish the
continuity of kingship at Angkor in light of the interruption that
occurred when the seat of power had been moved to Koh Ker. There is some
scholarly debate as to whether East Mebon should be categorized as a
temple-mountain. Inscriptions record activity as early as 947AD, but the
temple was not consecrated until 952AD. |
