Baksei Chamkrong, Siem Reap is a small Hindu temple located in the Angkor Thom complex and once used to house a golden image of Lord Shiva. You can easily spot Baksei Chamkrong, Siem Reap on your left hand side when entering Angkor Thom from the Southern Gate. Baksei Chamkrong Temple is one of the very few brick buildings that dot Angkor. This temple was commissioned by King Hasavarman I who dedicated it to his father, Yasovarman I in 947. The construction of this temple was finally completed by Rajendravarman II (944-968 AD).
There is a popular legend behind the name of this temple, as Baksei Chamkrong literally translates to mean "The bird who shelters under its wings". It is believed that the King once took a refuge in this temple when he was trying to flee Angkor during a siege. It was at that time that a huge bird landed and sheltered him under its wings.
Baksei Chamkrong in Siem Reap is located just north of Phnom Bakheng and lies at a short walking distance from Angkor Wat and the South Gate of Angkor Thom. The temple of Baksei Chamkrong was one of the first temples in Siem Reap that was constructed by using durable building materials such as bricks and laterite. The temple also boasts of sturdy sandstone decorations that were used for the first time in the country.
Baksei Chamkrong is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Siem Reap and comprises of a single-tower design structure standing on a square and four-tiered platform that rises to a height of 12 meters above the ground. Though today, most of the “stucco” that once adorned this temple is gone, you can still admire its lintels. The main sandstone lintel of Baksei Chamkrong is adorned with a fine carving of God Indra standing on his three-headed elephant Airavata. As you enter the temple through the small doorway, you can see some inscriptions on either side of it.
Do visit Baksei Chamkrong in Siem Reap during your trip to the city.
Keep browsing travel.mapsofworld.com for detailed online information on Baksei Chamkrong, Siem Reap and other popular tourist attractions in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
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Phnom Krom Hilltop Temple
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The Great Lake Tonle Sap & Floating Fishing |
Phnom Koulen
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Civil War Museum
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Crocodile Farm, Siem Reap
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Angkor Borie, Siem Reap
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Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
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Angkor Zoo, Siem Reap
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Banteay Kdei, Siem Reap
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Banteay Sam Re Temple, Siem Reap
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Banteay Srey Rochna, Siem Reap
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Banteay Srey Temple, Siem Reap
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Baphuon, Siem Reap
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East Mebon, Siem Reap
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Baksei Chamkrong, Siem Reap
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