Don Diev Temple

Prasat Don Diev is only partially standing, located on a small rise and surrounded by what once would have been a moat is the remains of an outer laterite wall that enclosed two laterite buildings (“libraries”) and five small square brick temples which have mostly collapsed and what isn’t collapsed is still buried. surprisingly there is a lot packed into a small enclosed area making the site a little unusual.

Pedestals and deposit stones can be seen along with decorated octagonal doorframe columns. In the outer wall, the remains of an entrance gopura can be seen, but through the overgrowth, not much could be seen of any others.

This site is the location where several small bronze statues were found. Most are representations of Buddha in Bhumisparsha mudra (calling the earth, or the earth goddess Sthavara, to witness the obtainment of enlightenment). Photos are property of EFEO and were taken in 1969.

Rodney Charles LHuillier

Living in Asia for over a decade and now residing in beautiful Siem Reap. Rodney Charles L'Huillier has spent over seven years in Cambodia and is the author of Ancient Cambodia (2024) and Essential Siem Reap (2017, 2019). Contact via [email protected] - more..