Preah Ko Temple Travel Guide

Preah Ko, meaning 'Sacred Bull,' stands as a testament to early Khmer architecture and artistry. Built in 879 by King Indravarman I, it was dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva and served as a memorial to the king's ancestors. The temple was the first to be built in Hariharalaya, an ancient city that is now part of the Roluos group of temples.The temple complex features six brick towers arranged in two rows of three on a sandstone platform. Each tower faces east, with the central tower slightly taller than the others. The towers are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting Hindu deities and scenes from mythology. The name 'Sacred Bull' comes from the statues of Nandi, Shiva's mount, which are positioned in front of the towers.Originally, the temple was enclosed by a large moat and several enclosure walls. While much of the outer structures have disappeared, the six towers remain as remarkable examples of Preah Ko style architecture. Restoration efforts, including those financed by the German government in the early 1990s and ongoing in 2024, help preserve this important piece of Khmer history. Visiting Preah Ko offers a serene experience, away from the crowds of the more famous Angkor temples, allowing visitors to appreciate the intricate details and historical significance of this ancient site.