Phimeanakas, Siem Reap, Cambodia

 Phimeanakas is a 3-tier pyramid like temple. The temple having its roots in Vimaan akaash(विमान आकाश). Vimaan means flying palace and akaash means sky. The Phimeanakas which is a distorted word of vimaanakaash means a palace in sky or a celestial palace.

History:

Introduction:

Nestled within the walled area of the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom lies the intriguing Phimeanakas temple. With its pyramid-like structure, featuring a smaller upper tier, this ancient marvel transports us back in time to the grandeur of the Khmer civilization.

Construction and Historical Significance:

In the late 10th century, King Rajendravarman initiated the construction of Phimeanakas, a testament to the Khmer architectural prowess. However, it was his successor, King Suryavarman I, who completed the temple. An inscription dating back to 910 AD, discovered at the site, revealed the existence of a Vishnu temple that once occupied the same space. However, it was dismantled to make way for Phimeanakas, highlighting the importance placed on its construction.

Myth and the Naga Princess:

Steeped in local folklore, Phimeanakas is associated with a captivating myth centered around the Naga Princess. Atop the temple, a golden tower adorned its pinnacle, believed to be the dwelling place of this mythical figure. Each night, the Naga Princess would assume the form of a woman. During the first watch, the king would have a private encounter with her, with nobody, not even the queens, allowed to enter the room. In the second watch, the king would return to his queens.

Omens and their Meaning:

According to the myth, the appearance or absence of the Naga Princess held great significance. If the Naga Princess failed to appear, it was believed to be an ill omen, foreshadowing the imminent death of the king and signifying the limited time he had left to rule. Similarly, if the king neglected to visit the Naga Princess, it was believed that a disaster would befall the kingdom, serving as a forewarning of dark times ahead.

Exploring Phimeanakas:

Today, Phimeanakas stands as a remarkable testament to the architectural brilliance of the Khmer civilization. While the legends surrounding the temple should be regarded as folklore rather than historical facts, they add an element of mystery and enchantment to the site.

entrance to north gate from the terrace of elephants

East gopura

The east gopura connects palace area to terrace of elephants. It has a big central entrance and two side entrances.

decorative lintel and side columns

decorative pilaster on column

east face

Lions guard the stairways. Elephants stand on the corners of ties. One can just imagine them, most part of the body is missing.

The Phimeanakas is a very simple temple consisting of three receding tiers. The lowest tier is 35m x 28m while the top one is 30m x 23 m. The steep stairs are guarded by lion statues on its either side.

north face, lion statues

west face

south face

At the top of tiers is a platform with small galleries. In the center is said to be a tower, "Golden Tower" from which the Naga princess appeared every night.

Cruciform terrace:

Located near the southwestern gate that connected the Royal Palace area to the Baphuon, lies a fascinating ruined structure known as the cruciform terrace. Though much of its original splendor has faded away, this structure, supported by pillars, still emanates an air of ancient mystery.

very little remains of laterite side walls

Cruciform terrace with columns, small portion of laterite wall. Trees engulfing the remaining structure.

 

Four sanctuaries:

Located in close proximity to the south-east gopura, these four sanctuaries form a unique row. They were probably constructed in 10-11th century. The doors of all sandstone temples face the Phimeanakas, that is toward the west.

remains of four sanctuaries

intact stairs and door

a part of pillar lies in a corner

laterite base with brick wall

Did these structures serve as shrines? or were used for some other purpose?

South-west gate:

An impressive gate stands between the Royal Palace area and Baphuon temple.

Entrance to palace area in the south-west wall

entrance to Baphuon temple

carved lintel

Devta structures on tower

The entrance gate has many square holes that must have supported wooden beams probably for making a sort of elevation for the guards to keep a watch.

entrance to Buphoun temple

Baphoun

Phimeanakas like all the temples in Angkor was deserted in the 16th century.

Phimeanakas stele:

A broken stele written by King Jayavarman VII's second wife, Queen Indradevi was discovered here. The Phimeanakas inscription, mentioned in Preah Khan, tells about the King's coronation and both his wives. It also mentions the role played by the second queen in spreading Buddhism across the kingdom. Apart from this, the battles between the Khmer and the Chams are also written.

Phimeanakas, with its pyramid-like structure and captivating myths, continues to attract travelers. A visit to Phimeanakas promises an unforgettable journey through the treasures of Cambodia's glorious past.