Prasat Ta Keo: The Unfinished Crystal Tower

Prasat Ta Keo, or the Crystal Tower, stands as a testament to the grandeur and ambition of the Khmer Empire. Located within the Angkor Archaeological Park, east of Angkor Thom, this temple-mountain dates back to the late 10th and early 11th centuries. Construction began under King Jayavarman V and continued into the reign of Suryavarman I. Dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, Prasat Ta Keo represents a significant transition in Khmer temple design, being possibly the first temple in Angkor built entirely of sandstone. The temple's design follows the classic temple-mountain concept, symbolizing Mount Meru, the sacred mountain in Hindu cosmology. It features a five-tiered pyramid base, with each tier featuring smaller terraces, and five sanctuary towers arranged in a quincunx pattern crowning the uppermost level. These towers were intended to house a lingam, a symbolic representation of Shiva, and open to all four cardinal directions. What sets Prasat Ta Keo apart from other Angkor temples is its unfinished state. Construction abruptly halted, leaving the sandstone structure without the intricate carvings and decorations typically found on other Angkorian monuments. Several theories attempt to explain this, including the death of King Jayavarman V, a lightning strike considered a bad omen, or a struggle for succession. Regardless of the reason, the lack of ornamentation provides a stark contrast to the elaborate designs of nearby temples, offering a different aesthetic experience. Visitors can ascend Ta Keo via steep stairways on each side of the pyramid. These stairways offer a challenging climb but reward those who reach the top with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The temple is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and it's best to visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Exploring Ta Keo provides a unique perspective on the evolution of Khmer architecture and the religious beliefs of the time.