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Below is a small selection of photographs from various temple sites scattered around Angkor. |
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Apsara bas relief at Preah Khan. Unfortunately, the head of the Apsara has been removed, probably to be sold iIllegally on the international antiques market. This type of looting plagues many of the temples of Angkor. |
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Buddha statue in the central sancturary at Preah Khan. |
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The temple of Preah Khan (one of our favorites) has not been completely restored. Notice the blocks of sandstone that litter the ground. |
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A two story pavilion at Preah Khan, said to have once housed the "Sacred Sword" which proceeded the king in his processions. This pavilion is unique in its architectual design, more similar to Classical Western design than to typical Khmer design. |
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The central sanctuary at Phnom Bakheng. The view from the top of this temple is popular for watching the sunset over nearby Angkor Wat. |
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Part of the outlying Roluos Group of temples, the Bakong is believed to have been the state temple of Indravarman I before he moved the Khmer capital to the city of Angkor. |
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View of the central sanctuary of Ta Keo. This temple was never completed and therefore, does not contain any decoration. |
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One of the restored Garudas (a mythincal half-bird and half-man creature) at Preah Khan. A donation can help fully restore a Garuda through the World Monuments Fund's (WMF), "Adopt a Garuda" Program. |
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Restoration work on Preah Ko's main tower. Preah Ko is part of the outlying Rolous Group. |
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Many of the temples of Angkor are currently undergoing restoration including the main gopura or tower of Ta Som, pictured above. |
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Top of the entrance gate to Ta Som with its familiar faces looking in each cardinal direction. |
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There are five entrances to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Pictured above is the Northern Gate. Centuries ago, these gates must have had a powerful effect on everyone who entered the city as they still do today. |
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Neak Pean served as a place where pilgrims could wash away their sins before entering the temples of Angkor. During the monsoon season, Neak Pean is filled with water. |
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Group of handicapped musicians performing at the entrance of Neak Pean. Hundreds of Cambodians are killed or maimed every year due to wartime unexploded ordinance and mines. |
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Related Articles: |
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Borobudur, Central Java, Indonesia |
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Khmer Temples of Northeast Thailand |
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Wat Phu Champasak, Laos |
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Chams of Central Vietnam |
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Back to Angkor Introduction |
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