Ta Moni Temple (Pouk)

Located northwest of Pouk and just north of National Road 6, Prasat Ta Moni was the site of several discoveries in the early 1900s. Originally, the site was reported to have featured the remains of two brick temples. Several artifacts were removed from the site and placed into conservation in the early 1900s including two lintels, a sandstone crown element, and a frieze of ascetics. In the historical photos below, a four-sided Buddhist votive element is seen along with a four-armed statue, a temple crown element, a doorstep and a decorated octagonal colonette.

At the site today, the original mound of the site, around 35m per side, still features a moat part way around. On the mound, there’s not much more than a small amount of brick to be seen, although some of it indicates that there still may be structural traces underground.

Noting the art style seen in the historical images, the site may date to around the 10th century.

Historical Images

Via EFEO Fonds Cambodge.

Historical Notes

Some new remains or sanctuaries have been identified and visited; summary clearances have been carried out when these remains seemed worth the effort. I mention the most important ones. To the west of the village of Puok and near the colonial road swinging to Kralần, two brick pråsàt aligned North-South present in the few pieces of sandstone sculptures found nearby (lintels, columns, ogee step) a certain richness of decoration. This pràsàt is called by the natives Tà Moni.

BEFEO, Chronique, 1934

Further notes can be found in Excavation Journal No. XXIV – Years 1952-1953 here.

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