Sambo PreyKuk Temple
Sambo PreyKuk temple is one of a cultural and historical sites in Kampong Thom province. It located in Sambo district, about 35 km north of the provincial. Because of the ages of the temple and its special architectures, Sambo PreyKuk Temple is preparing to be listed as world heritages site in Cambodia.
History
Sambo PreyKuk was the capital city of Chenla Period (Pre-Angkorian) called Isanapurak or Ey San Borak during the reign of King Isanavarman I (616-635 AD).This is also one of the reason which this temple will be listed as world heritage.
In the forest near by Sen River (Stung Sen), more than 140 temples were discovered in an area of 20 km and it was divided into 4 main groups:
1. Prasat Tor ( Lion Temple) located in central
2. Prasat Sambo in the north
3. Prasat Yeay Poun in the south
4. Prasat Kroal Romeas in the north about 2km from Prasat Sambo.
Prasat San Dan within Sambo Preykuk complex
Construction of the temple
Unique sculptures on the wall. Mostly are damaged by weather. In this picture is the one which still in good shape.
Sambo Preykuk temple was built in the purpose of dedicating to Shiva in Hindu. All the temples in this area are constructed by solid brick, laterite. Pillars and door frames are all made by sandstone. Moreover, on each wall, door frame and the temple roof, there are many sculptures with unique styles and architectures as Hindu belief.
Because of the age, the temples are now damaged in most parts. But the temples maintain their original form. We still can see its miracle and mysterious senses which is honorable and admirable. When we are there, we will feel we are in a real nature with beautiful ancient view around us.
Prasat Tor – Lion Temple
There was a miracle happen caused by the two lions at Prasat Tor or Lion Temple. In 1998-1999, the two lions guarded at the Lion Temple were moved to place in Kampong Thom Cultural Museum. Then after the present of these two lions, there were always rain in the provincial. In contract, the area around the temple complex has no rain at all, caused serious damage to the plantations of farmers in that area. So the authority decided to bring back and place the Lions at the old place. After the Lions returned to the temple, it started to rain, but that time rain was too much and become flood. It was after a while, before the weather become normal.
