Phnom Bakheng is an interesting historical object built in 9th century during the reign of King Yasovarman. It is Hindu temple built as a temple mountain and dedicated to Shiva. It is located on the top of the hill just in 1.5 km far from Angkor Wat that stands on southeast. It is one of the oldest buildings of Angkor complex and the central point of it. Its foundation is connected with times when king moved capital to Yasodharapura.
The temple mount had outer moat. From the basement of the hill there were four cardinal ways to the world.
Phnom Bakheng is a symbolical copy of Mount Meru where the Hindu gods have their residence. It is looking to east and has area of 76 square meters at the basement. There are 6 tiers. There are 5 sandstone sanctuaries located at the top of the hill. They are placed quincunx order with one on the center and four in the corners of the square.
Originally, basement had 108 towers on different tiers, but most of them are in ruins today. This place is a very symbolical one. For example, there are four main towers on the sides and 104 smaller are situated in such a way that only 33 can be seen from each side, according to the number of gods living on Mount Meru. It also has a meaning of astronomical calendar depicted in stone.
