Trapeang Thnal Chhouk Temple

Also known as Trapeang Chhouk, located in Toek Kraham Commune of Choam Khsant District, it is a group of five brick temples enclosed by an outer brick wall.

The five temples are arranged on a north-south axis and open to the east with three large temples, partially standing, behind which are two smaller temples mostly in ruin. The two smaller temples at the rear are much smaller and appear more elongated than square. In front of this group on either side are two “library” buildings, both of which are quite ruinous.

The three large temples also featured halls extending their eastern opening and these are partially standing. They all featured false doors with pilasters set into the brickwork on their other sides, a theme that continues upwards with two or three false levels, decreasing in size as they go. Lintels have been placed face down, or fallen down, and note the triangular opening behind the lintel in the brickwork that is mirrored on the back of the lintel.

The site appears as it would have been surrounded by a moat and old French notes attest to such along with a smaller basin and a large basin, 80 x 200 m, towards the east (report from the early 1900s.)

Note: at Jan 2022, there was no permanent trail leading to the site

Inscriptions

The site features two recorded inscriptions, located on the doorframes of the northwest and central sanctuary. Translations (IC VI)

• K. 350 – A multi line inscription partly illegible – Mentions an ordanence by King Rajendravarman addressed to the Rajakulamahamantri and to various other dignitaries along with donations made.
• K. 351 – 13-line inscription, dated to 992 AD mentions donations to Naryana (the god of the temple). Also mentioned is the year, with the use an animal name that Coedes notes as being the oldest use in Cambodia of the cycle of twelve animals (Chhankitek Calendar)

Layout

Via Inventaire Descriptif – Monuments Du Cambodge

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..