East Mebon is a large temple-mountain-like ruin, rising three levels and crowned by five towers. Jayavarman IV, a usurper, moved the capital from Angkor to Koh Ker in 928AD. Sixteen years later Rajendravarman II returned the capital to Angkor and shortly thereafter constructed East Mebon on an island in the middle of the now dry Eastern Baray. The temple is dedicated to Shiva in honor of the king’s parents. Inscriptions indicate that it was also built to help reestablish the continuity of kingship at Angkor in light of the interruption that occurred when the seat of power had been moved to Koh Ker. There is some scholarly debate as to whether East Mebon should be categorized as a temple-mountain. Inscriptions record activity as early as 947AD, but the temple was not consecrated until 952AD.
The East Mebon(Khmer: ប្រាសាទមេបុណ្យខាងកើត) is a 10th Century temple at Angkor, Cambodia. Built during the reign of King Rajendravarman, it stands on what was an artificial island at the center of the now dry East Baray reservoir.
The East Mebon was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and honors the parents of the king. Its location reflects Khmer architects’ concern with orientation and cardinal directions. The temple was built on a north-south axis with Rajendravarman’s state temple, Pre Rup, located about 1,200 meters to the south just outside the baray. The East Mebon also lies on an east-west axis with the palace temple Phimeanakas, another creation of Rajendravarman’s reign, located about 6,800 meters due west.
Built in the general style of Pre Rup, the East Mebon was dedicated in 953 AD. It has two enclosing walls and three tiers. It includes the full array of durable Khmer construction materials: sandstone, brick, laterite and stucco. At the top is a central tower on a square platform, surrounded by four smaller towers at the platform’s corners. The towers are of brick; holes that formerly anchored stucco are visible.
The sculpture at the East Mebon is varied and exceptional, including two-meter-high free-standing stone elephants at corners of the first and second tiers. Religious scenes include the god Indra atop his three-headed elephant Airavata, and Shiva on his mount, the sacred bull Nandi. Carving on lintels is particularly elegant.
Visitors looking out from the upper level today are left to imagine the vast expanses of water that formerly surrounded the temple. Four landing stages at the base give reminder that the temple was once reached by boat.
Joining Cambodia Golf and Culture Holiday with Visit Cambodia Travel, you will enjoy a great the Cambodian golf Course (home of The Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open), an oldest golf course in Cambodia, ...
6 Days best Cambodia classic holidays in Cambodia arranged by our specialist tour operator, which will take you to the best attractions in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh: Angkor Wat, Tonle Sap Lake, Wat ...
Flight of the Gibbon is the only Zipline in Cambodia and to top it off we have the absolutely amazing privilege of being located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of The Angkor Archaeological ...
Spend 4 hours riding on country roads around Siem Reap, visit villages, stop at local schools, and make sure you take lots of ...
Learn the techniques of ceramics painting during a 2-hour workshop in Siem Reap with instructors. You will immerse yourself in Cambodian culture through art, and you'll produce two elephant mugs and ...
Pedal your way around the glorious temples of Angkor on this 4-hour guided bike tour from Siem Reap. Glide around the vast temple complex, stopping to pose for photo by Angkor Wat, explore the ...
Guest Name: Ms. Kim Mortimer
Country: New Zealand
City: Invercargill
N.of Person: 2 pax
Travel date: 27-09-2025
Booked: Wat Phnom, Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda Private Tour
Tour Style: Day Trip Tours
Duration: Half-Day