Phimeanakas, view from upper level

ASU Libraries undertakes research and accepts public comments that enhance the information we hold about images in our collections. If you can identify a landmark or person please send details to: digitalrepository@asu.edu, opens in a new window. Thank you for helping describe and caption this important historical image.

The object depicted in the image is made of the following material(s): laterite

Information about the creation of the object depicted in the image: Late 10th - early 11th century

Information about the restoration of the object depicted in the image: Cleared 1908, 1916-1918

Phimeanakas is situated within the same area as the royal palace and was likely used as a royal chapel. It was built during the reign of King Suryavarman I. One of the most interesting features of Phimeanakas is its accompanying legend, which relates to the importance of the naga, or divine serpent, in Cambodian history. According to Zhou Daguan, the Chinese diplomat who provided accounts of his visit to Cambodia in the thirteenth century, the soul of the nine-headed naga, the lord of the earth, took the form of a beautiful woman and waited each night on the summit of the temple for the king. The king had to couple with her each night in order to ensure the prosperity of his kingdom. If the naga princess failed to appear, the death of the king was imminent. It is possible that Phimeanakas is the mountain of the golden horn referred to by Zhou Daguan is his account of the legend. This suggests that many of the temples were once decorated and painted, and that some of the central sanctuaries may have been constructed of perishable materials, like wood, that were gilded or adorned with precious metals.

Source for information about the object depicted in the image: Jessup, Helen Ibbitson. Art and Architecture of Cambodia. London: Thames & Hudson, 2004. Freeman M. and C. Jacques. Ancient Angkor. London: Thames and Hudson, 1999.

To request permission to publish please complete the form located at the Department of Archives and Special Collections web site: http://hdl.handle.net/2286/7f5bakntwx1, opens in a new window.