The site Preah Vihear Temple

entrance temple structure

the temple complex runs 800 m (2,600 ft) along north-south axis facing plains north, cut off international border. consists of causeway , steps rising hill towards sanctuary, sits on clifftop @ southern end of complex (120 m or 390 ft above northern end of complex, 525 m or 1,722 ft above cambodian plain , 625 m or 2,051 ft above sea level). although structure different temple mountains found @ angkor, serves same purpose stylised representation of mount meru, home of gods.

the approach sanctuary punctuated 5 gopuras (these conventionally numbered sanctuary outwards, gopura 5 first reached visitors). each of gopuras before courtyards reached set of steps, , marks change in height increases impact. gopuras block visitor s view of next part of temple until pass through gateway, making impossible see complex whole 1 point.

the fifth gopura, in koh ker style, retains traces of red paint once decorated, although tiled roof has disappeared. fourth gopura later, khleang/baphuon periods, , has on southern outer pediment, 1 of masterpieces of preah vihear (freeman, p. 162) : depiction of churning of sea of milk. third largest, , flanked 2 halls. sanctuary reached via 2 successive courtyards, in outer of 2 libraries.