Saturday, September 17, 2016

The Abode Of Shiva At Phnom Bakheng...



We had easy day today, relaxing (or rather lazing!) at our resort before heading out to Phnom Bakheng...


Perched atop a steep 65 metre tall hill, Phnom Bakheng is a symbolic representation of Mount Meru, home of the Hindu gods, offering a panoramic view of the Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Tonlé Sap, the airport and the surrounding plain...


The large number of visitors makes Phnom Bakheng one of the most threatened monuments of Angkor Thom, necessitating ongoing conservation work...


At the base of Phnom Bakheng, is a small temple called Baksei Chamkrong, dedicated to Lord Shiva which was built in the 1st century, The name Baksei Chamkrong literally means "The Bird Who Shelters Under Its Wings" - the name comes from a legend. The legend says that the king tried to flee Angkor during a siege and then a huge bird landed and sheltered him under its wings...


Baksei Chamkrong's central shrine is built along the lines of a 13 metre high pyramidical structure...


Climbing up the hill...


It's a humid day, with no sun and a visible condensation of moisture in the air...



We had hoped to catch a magical sunset here today, but it seems we won't be able to see it!


The West Baray reservoir...



Tonlé Sap in the distance...



We are nearly there...





Phnom Bakheng was constructed nearly two centuries before Angkor Wat, during the reign of King Yasovarman...



A Nandi bull at the base of the temple...


And we ascend to the top...



A glimpse of Angkor Wat...


Restoration works underway...



A mighty shivling...


Angkor Wat...




It is indeed a beautiful temple...


A hot air balloon is being prepared for flight in the distance...



The temple was teeming with people...



Tourists waiting for an elusive sunset...




Experimenting with different kinds of shots...




There's predicted to be a heavy rain in sometime, and we were all asked to leave the temple. Apparently, the place isn't to safe when there is a heavy downpour...








Selfie!



Gosh! The orientals need to get rid of the mobile phones sometime...






And the amazing shivling right in the centre...





And the Angkor Wat is unmissable...





And we head back the moment the drizzle starts...


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