Our first approach was a failure: After visiting Prasat Kok O Chrung, we decided to look for a prasat in the North, about which we had got fantastic things. Local people had told us: "Bei kilo" ('3 km'). But soon I had to call this legendary site "Prasat Bei Kilo Diep", "Prasat Three Kilometers More". The road – partially under construction – became endless, and it became worse and worse. We could no longer go with our Camry; we had to cancel the trip. But last Sunday, Soeun Chamnan and some friends went there on motorbikes. Chamnan rendered to me photos and detailed information.
Well done, Chamnan, thank you!

The temple is located some 3 km from the ancient road to Phimai, on an earth bank. To the North of it is a rectangular trapeang (T) ,
900 m E-W by 400 m N-S.
It is a group of five square brick towers lined N-S, opening to E.
Three towers are standing upright in a row; the central tower (C) measures 5 by 5 m, jutting out a bit; the lateral towers measure (N & S) 4.5 m by 4.5 m. The distance between the towers measures 8.7 m. In the gaps between the frontal towers, 2 m behind them, are two more towers (N2 & S2), partially collapsed, they measure 4.30 m by 4.20 m. (All dimensions from Lajonquière.)
The lintel relief of the central tower, now eroded, showed Indra on Airavan.
The remains of the fire shrines (FN & FS) are just heaps of brick rubble.
There is a Sanscrit inscription (I) of two lines at the door jamb of the central tower.
Lajonquière also mentions fragments of a Nandi statue.

The inscription relates the offering of a bull by king Jayavarman VI in 1101.
The towers & lintels seem to be from (late?) 9th century.

Photo Album

External Link

"Explore the History of Cambodia"
(Japanese, open with Google Chrome & have it translated.)

Other reference: Lajonquière 3, p.. 339-341; Nr. 706.

May 24, 2011.

Archaeological Map (CAC, Province de Siem Reap, 2007, detail, modified.)

Layout scetch by Chamnan