Eastern Mebon Temple Travel Guide

Rising from what was once an island in the immense East Baray, the Eastern Mebon is a 10th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and honors King Rajendravarman II's parents. Consecrated in 953 AD, the temple was designed by the architect Kavindrarimathana. The temple's location reflects the Khmer architects' concern with orientation and cardinal directions.The temple complex, constructed from brick, laterite, and sandstone, features a three-tiered pyramid adorned with five towers, symbolizing Mount Meru, the mythical home of the Hindu gods. The detailed carvings and bas-reliefs showcase scenes from Hindu mythology, including depictions of Shiva riding Nandi, his sacred bull, and Indra riding Airavata, his three-headed elephant.One of the most distinctive features of the Eastern Mebon is the presence of the life-size stone elephants at the corners of the first and second tiers. These well-preserved sculptures add a unique charm to the temple's architecture, exemplifying the skill and artistry of the Khmer civilization. The temple's design also includes landing platforms, a reminder of the days when the temple was surrounded by water and only accessible by boat.