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Prasat Ta Som
The Ancestor Som
Prasat Ta Som located
in the east of Nean Pean. Entry and
exit to Ta Som can only be access
from east entrance. It was built in
the end of the 12th century
dedicated to the father of the king
(Buddhist), replica to Bayon style
of art.
Background
Ta Som has not been restored. It is
a small quiet temple and affords a
delightful visit. In the past one of
the significant features of Ta Som
was the growth of fig trees the
faces at the entrance towers. These
have been cut from the east tower
but they are still visible at the
west one.
Layout
Ta Som is a single tower monument on
one level surrounded by three
enclosing walls with entry on the
east and west carved with four
faces, the face on the right of the
east tower (1) (facing the temple)
has a beautiful smile. The entry
towers are in the shape of a cross
with a small room on each side
connecting to a laterite wall.
Walk through the first entry tower
over a causeway, which crosses a
moat and is bordered with serpents
and large Garudas. The wall of the
second enclosure is in laterite (2)
with a sandstone entry tower in the
shape of a cross on the east and
west sides (3). The entry towers
have windows with balusters on the
exterior and proceeded by a porch
with pillars.
The next enclosure
comprises a laterite and sandstone
gallery with corner pavilions (4),
which have molded false doors.
Amongst the crumbled heaps of stones
in the courtyard are two libraries
(5) opening to the west.
Central Sanctuary
The main tower (6) is in the shape
of a cross with four porches. To see
the Central Sanctuary, courtyard and
libraries, climb through the opening
on the north side. |
