Kdei Ta Kom Temple

Also known as Rong Damrei Temple and Prasat Ta Kam, it is located to the east of Prasat Kdei Ta Kom Thom (or Kol Temple). It features the partially standing remains of a laterite temple that had an annex building (library) and outer wall with a large basin in the east.

It is noted that it may have lintels of differing styles that may have come from earlier sites (Polkinghome, 2008). Also noting that inscription K. 244 notes a date of 791/792 with K. 245 mentioning a date of 962 (Billard/Eade, 2006). Regardless, what we see today is believed to be a Hospital Chapel constructed, by recycling the masonry of a prior temple, during the reign of Jayavarman VII dating to the 12th – 13th century.

The site was heavily overgrown without easy entry. on our visit in 2021. Revisiting in 2024 the site is cleared again and access is via fallen blocks that provide steps of the southeast corner of the outer enclosure.

Photos – August 2024

Photos June 2021 – The central shrine and library

Inscriptions

• K. 244 – Sanskrit text of :2 lines on one of the jamb of the sanctuary noting Avalokiteshvara – IC III, p. 89
• K. 245 – 35 lines of Khmer door jamb of library – according to Coedes, from the reign of Suryavarman I, requesting the maintenance of these foundations for the benefits of three children. – IC III, p. 90

Rodney Charles LHuillier

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