Date
of Construction:
Late 10th - Early 11th century C.E.
Religious Affiliation: Hinduism
Patron or King: Jayavarman V
Artistic/Archeo. Style:
Kleang
Location: Central Angkor Thom
Duration of
Visit:
15-30 minutes
Time
to Visit:
Anytime
Photography
Notes:
Light on face in morning hours
Position:
13d26'44N 103d51'21E
Impressive
laterite and sandstone pyramid. The lack of surviving carvings leaves it
artistically uninteresting, but it is the tallest scalable temple in Angkor Thom, providing a nice view
from the top. The western staircase (at the back) is the most easily
ascended. Located inside the ancient Royal Palace compound,
Phimeanakas served as the king’s temple. Legend has it that the
golden tower crowned the temple and was inhabited by a serpent, which
would transform into a woman. The kings of Angkor were required to make
love with the serpent every night, lest disaster befall him or the
kingdom.
Impressive
laterite and sandstone pyramid. The lack of surviving carvings leaves it
artistically uninteresting, but it is the tallest scalable temple in
