Although modern day Roluos is a small town, it is an important archaeological site 13 km east of Siem Reap, due to a group of late 9th century CE monuments, Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei, that are the remains of Hariharalaya the capital of Jayavarman II, Indravarman and Yasovarman I kings of the Angkor era Khmer empire. These are the oldest surviving Khmer temples in Cambodia. Hariharalaya served as their capital for 70 years until Yasovarman I moved it.
Bakong at the centre of Hariharalaya is the most impressive of the group. An example of a stone structure, it is supposed to have been constructed by the third Angkorian king Indravarman I and is said to have served as the state temple. The temple comprises of five terraces that is thought to represent Mount Meru, the centre of the universe a first in an architectural tradition that was followed for the next four hundred years. The terraces are topped by five brick towers some of which have really intricately carved lintels. A bull is found here in front of the west tower denoting its Hindu links. There are indications that some features of the temple were later additions. The ancient approach road to the temple and the outlying area can be clearly seen from the temples 15 m high top terrace.
Preah Ko one of the first major temples at Hariharalay is the oldest of the three. It has six towers in various stages of preservation on a platform and beautiful carvings that are still discernible. It is originally thought to have been enclosed by walls, parts of which still remain. It gets its name from the statues of sacred bulls found in front of the towers.
Lolei the third ruin is a little away from the others and was built in the middle of Indratataka a now dry shallow lake. This was the last temple built at the site before the capital was moved. The four brick towers on a laterite platform are in a very dilapidated condition. However some lintel carvings similar to those at Preah Ko and a high relief statue of a guardian deity has survived. The site is in use today as a pagoda that has been rather recently built among the ruins.
Located close to the iconic Angkor Wat,
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