Baksei Chamkrong, A serene sanctuary of steep steps and history

Baksei Chamkrong, Elephant Path, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Barrangay temple is a Buddhist temple

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Introduction

The temple is located southwest of the South Gate of Angkor Thom and was built to worship the Hindu god Shiva. Although it is not large in size, it has a balanced proportion and is one of the few brick structures near Angkor. Its outer walls were once covered with lime mortar and faced east, with various animal sculptures carved on the ground floor. In the early 10th century, five statues were erected in the temple by the king, and these statues may now be exhibited in museums. The temple has steep steps, with beautifully carved stone doors, door pillars, and lintels on the top floor, and clear scriptures on the stone walls. Inside the temple, there is a pile of broken bricks and a poorly carved, red-clothed reclining Buddha. Standing on the highest level and looking down, there is a feeling of being superior. The steps are steep and it is not easy to go up and down, but the feeling of standing on top is great. In front of the temple's main gate, there is a stone pathway where there was originally a pair of stone lions, but only one remains now. According to the map in front of the gate, there is supposed to be a smaller temple behind this temple, but it was not found at that time. When standing at the top and looking down, the view is blocked by a forest, and it is not known if other temples exist.