"To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries."
- Aldous Huxley
- Aldous Huxley
Ta Keo Highlights
Ta Keo Temple is undoubtedly one of the most imposing of all the Angkor Temples., its name means in Khmer 'The Mountain with Golden Peaks'. Compared to some of the more ornately decorated, or carved, temples, there is less to offer the archaeological enthusiast in Ta Keo, however architecturally it is a stunning feat. The use of perspective is evident with its quincunx tower structure, and its lack of decoration give it a massive presence, making it a massive symbolic representation of Mount Meru - very apt given its use as a state temple for Jayavarman V. It is also built entirely of sandstone, so when viewed under the right light it has a strong red hue.
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One of the entrances to Ta Keo Temple
On entering the inner enclosure, from the courtyard you face the pyramid and being incomplete and thus undecorated, the lines are simple and so appear huge in stature. At the base of the staircase is a kneeling Nandi, and in the far right and left corners are some galleries with, unusually, windows facing inwards. From the courtyard climb the steps to the summit where you are rewarded with excellent views over the forest, stunning at sunset.
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