East Mebon, A Sanctuary with Majestic Elephant Sculptures

East Mebon, Grand Circuit, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Dongmei Bensi is a square temple

Introduction

East Mebon Temple is one of the ancient Angkor temples in Cambodia, built in 953 AD. The temple is located in the center of the East Baray, a reservoir used for religious ceremonies and offerings to the Hindu god Shiva and the king's ancestors. The temple is strategically positioned on a three-tiered platform made of red sandstone, with well-preserved elephant sculptures at each corner. The top tier features five brick towers, while the rest of the structure has mostly collapsed, with only the doorframes and column carvings remaining. The towers are dotted with small round holes, possibly for gemstone inlays or to secure the original plaster coating. Notable features include the lintels and elephant carvings. Today, the East Baray has disappeared and been replaced by farmland, making the temple appear even more imposing.