Built as a Hindu sanctuary dedicated to Shiva, the name Baksei Chamkrong translates to “the bird that shelters under its wings.”
This charming little temple was the last stop on our temple hopping tour of Angkor Wat. It was late in the afternoon. The lighting was perfect, and the setting was positively dreamy. It was Tin, our tuk-tuk driver who suggested we visit this place before heading back to the hotel. Thoroughly relaxed as we rambled the grounds and snapped pictures of architectural details, Wendy and I were feeling very awed, inspired, and humbled.
Fewer Crowds
Here, at Baksei Chamkrong there were far fewer visitors, maybe only a handful, including us. We seemed to have arrived at the same time as a small group of German friends doing a bicycle tour.
Situated just outside the south gate of Angkor Thom, this 10th century temple was built in a pyramid style with a single prasat tower. The tower isn’t actually very tall, but the narrowing stairs and incrementally smaller tiers make it look taller than it is.
Walking up to the temple, are the remains of a brick wall and a gopura that was once guarded by lions. Now, there is only one, well-weathered guardian lion.
A flight of four very steep staircases at the center of the pyramid beckoned us up to the upper platform with the prasat. Most of the decoration on the exterior of the prasat has disappeared, though the shape of sculpted devatas can still be seen. The sandstone lintel over the Eastern doorway contains a carving of Indra on the three-headed elephant Airavata, and one of Ganesh.
Whether Ganesh removed all of our obstacles or not, the ride home was festive despite the fact we were in a pack of tuk-tuks making their way back to the Siem Reap hotel district.
Slideshow – Swipe and see the splendor of Baksei Chamkrong with us
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