Angkor Cambodia
>>
Ta Keo temple
Ta
Keo : The Ancestor keo or the tower of crystal
or glass
The majestic ziggurat of Ta Keo, most enigmatic
of the minor fanes, stepping up toward the sun
with dignity and power suggestive of Angkor vat.
It is dripping with green and crowned with
trees, but is still supreme over the forest. Its
rocky masses, rising above the tops of the
coconut palms, convert the impression that it
only recently emerged from some cavern
underground, carrying the forest with it in its
rocketing ascent.
Ta Keo's lack of ornament makes it distinctive
among the works of the Khmer, who were so
prodigal of decoration. But its very simplicity
give it architectural importance, its plan shows
the development of anew spirit in the people,
the growth of good taste.
Location: Ta Keo is locate in the east of
Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda. A enter and leave
by the south or east entrances.
Tip: The ascent to this temple is step and
because of its orientation a visit in the
morning is preferable.
It was built in the end of the tenth century to
early 11th century by the King Jayavarman V to
Suryavarman I dedicated to Siva (Hindu), replica
to Kleang style of art.
BackGroud
An unusual aspect of this temple is that it
remains unfinished; the reason for its no
completion is unknown. Had it been finished, Ta
Keo would undoubtedly have been one of the
finest temples at Angkor. It is an imposing
sight, scaling 22 meters (72feet) to the sky,
and gives an impression of power. Ta Keo is the
first temple built entirely in sandstone and as
such serves as a milestone in Khmer history.
Enormous blocks of stone were cut to a regular
size and placed in position. The absence of
decoration at ta Keo gives it a simplicity of
design that separates it from the other
monuments.
Layout
Ta Keo is square in Plan with five towers
arranged like the dots on the face of a die and
stands majestically on a terrace that is 12
meters (39 feet) high with three tiers. It is a
representation of Mount Meru. The base has fine
molding. The temple has two enclosures (1 and 2)
with entry towers on each side. There are
inscription on the pilasters of the east entry
tower (3). The first two tiers of the platform
form the base of two courtyards. One is enclosed
by a wall the other by a gallery, the gallery is
too narrow to permit walking around.
The east entrance to Ta Keo is marked by a
causeway over a moat that is preceded by lions
and boundary stones ( not shown on the plan ).
The entry tower in the exterior wall was made of
sandstone with a central tower and three
passages. On each side of the east wall there
was a long hall (4) that was probably a shelter
for pilgrims. It was preceded by a porch with
pillars (5).
The second terrace has a molded laterite base
with four sandstone entry towers, one on each
side. It is surrounded by a sandstone gallery
lit by windows on the in terrier. The gallery
completely surrounds the terrace and has
openings on each of the four sides. On the east
there are two long halls (6) of the same type as
the rest halls on the first terrace. Two
libraries (7) open to the west.
Central Area
The upper level is square and stands on a tiered
base with stairways on each side> Most of the
space on the upper level is occupied by the five
tower, all unfinished, opening to the four
cardinal points. The Central Sanctuary (8)
dominates the layout. It is raised above the
other towers and is given further importance by
the development of porches and pediments. The
interior of the central tower is undecorated
