The
main edifices are five brick chedis, built on a single laterite
foundation. The complex is surrounded by a double wall. The
inner wall is made of sandstone, into which is built a series
of narrow, rectangular rooms laid out end to end and referred
to as the gallery. The outer wall is made of laterite. Sandstone
archways at opposite points perforate the perimeter on all four
sides. The lintel, pediment, and side columns of each are beautifully
carved into floral motifs and scenes from Hindu mythology. A
broad courtyard between the inner and outer walls is paved with
laterite. At each corner a pool, whose sides were carved into
the shape of serpents, was excavated, and at the rounded corners
of each pool rise serpent's heads with hoods extended. All in
all, this temple constitutes a striking example of Khmer temple
architecture.
|
