Eastern Baray & Eastern Mebon, Majestic Elephants Guarding Ancient Mysteries
East Mebon, Grand Circuit, Siem Reap, Cambodia
4.1
Introduction
The Eastern Baray, constructed between 889-910 AD, is a large reservoir with stone pillars at each corner. Although it is now dried up, it was once one of the most important public construction projects. The reservoir was 7km long and 1.8km wide, drawing water from the Siem Reap River.
The Eastern Mebon, located northeast of the Eastern Baray, was built between 944-996 AD. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Originally situated on a small island in the middle of the reservoir, it is now a dry land. It is similar to the Banteay Srei temple, but was built 15 to 20 years later.
The most striking feature of the temple is its multi-tiered diamond-shaped towers, with five towers arranged in the shape of a lotus flower. The temple walls are made of brick, with numerous openings that were originally used to affix decorative stucco. At each of the four corners of the first and second tier of the temple, there are four large elephant sculptures, clad in armor and the same size as real elephants, representing the four mythological elephants that hold up the universe. These stone statues are still well-preserved, showcasing the grandeur and exquisite craftsmanship of the temple. Address East Mebon, Grand Circuit, Siem Reap, Cambodia
There are four elephant statues at each corner
