Kdak Temple

Also recorded as Po Damnak Temple. It is a group of three sandstone temples built upon a common platform. They are incomplete, receiving only part of their final decoration. The three towers open to the east and the central tower has a mandapa or hall with side windows. The central tower had received some of its final decoration including on the pilasters, lintels, and an extraordinary, but sadly damaged, pediment on its western side.

Recently, on yet another trip around the many wonders of Preah Vihear (see: Tour T16: Preah Vihear Part IV + more Mekong) we had the chance to get some updated photos.

What I did not notice on a prior visit was the small head of sculpture/statue, and a large sandstone plinth, oddly, in a very similar shape to ancient sema from the pre-Angkorian era, I really wonder what is on the other side of it!

Jan 2022 visit: Sadly, my trusty camera, an old Xiaomi phone, was out of battery and while I do have a USB charger on the bike, it takes a long ride to get charged. SO, the below images are screenshots from the 360 camera until I get back out that way.

Historical Notes

Early French researchers visited the site (around 1929?), Henri Parmentier, retrieved a head of Avalokiteshvara (with a bun) from inside the site and he also noted a depiction of Krishna, and the Birth of Brahma in the pediment which today is perhaps more decayed than they were at that time although you can still see Vishnu’s arm atop Ananta. Also, he noted finding a “remarkable caitya” (BEFEO 30).

Historical Images – Avolokiteshvara – 1962 – More at Fonds Cambodge

Getting to Kdak Temple – the temple can be reached relatively easily albeit a long route along dirt roads beginning in Kulean and heading south to Chhuk, turning west and heading to Kdak, and then north to the temple site. At the time of visit, Jan 4, 2022 (Northeast tour), the roads were mostly in good condition. 2023: The road is still good all the way.

Rodney Charles LHuillier

Living in Asia for over a decade and now residing in beautiful Siem Reap - Contact via [email protected] - more..