Linga Temple 1 (Koh Ker)

Also recorded as Prasat Thnoeng, Prasat Theng, and Prasat Balang Cheung. It is a large square sandstone temple housing a large linga atop a pedestal with a spout exiting the northern side of the temple.

The square shrine, monolithic in scale, shares its layout and likely its purpose with 3 more that are aligned on a north-south axis whilst having a relationship with the east-west axis of Prasat Thom. None of these gigantic linga shrines have roofs, perhaps unfinished, or made from perishable materials and lost to time.

They all feature a sandstone base with steps on each side leading to false doors on the east, north, and south and the open doorway on the western side. In places, you can still see finely carved decoration around this base whilst the sandstone walls remain featureless. Inside, the linga pedestal retains its spout leading out the north wall and is decorated with floral swirls, hanging lotus garlands, and standing lions projecting from each side as if to uphold everything. The perfectly shaped linga features a decorative line around its perimeter base tapering upward at the center on one side.

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..