Want to step off the beaten path? Then you’ve come to the right place. We are standing in front of Bat Chum. Many tourists miss this small temple.
Bat Chum is special. It’s considered the first Buddhist sanctuary in Angkor. It was dedicated in 960. Hinduism was still dominant then.
King Rajendravarman II ruled from 944 to 968. Kavindrarimathana was his court official. He was also a learned Buddhist. Kavindrarimathana was the architect of Bat Chum. He also designed East Mebon and Pre Rup. Srah Srang was another of his creations. Kavindrarimathana is the only known Khmer architect by name.
Look closely at the three brick towers. They stand in a north-south row. All three open to the east. An enclosure and a moat surround them. A single gopura marks the east entrance. Note that these brick towers are unfortunately in poor condition today.
Each of Bat Chum’s three prasats was dedicated to a unique aspect of Mahayana Buddhism. The central tower honored the Buddha. Avalokiteshvara as Vajrapani was in the southern tower. Prajnaparamita was in the northern tower.
Excavations in 1952 revealed flagstones. These flagstones showed yantras in the northern and central towers. Yantras have links to Mahayana Buddhism. Some believe Bat Chum may have started as a Hindu temple. Its style resembles Koh Ker and Prasat Kravan. These predate the Pre Rup style.
The inscriptions at Bat Chum provide valuable historical information. They mention the clear water in the lake. This was for the people’s benefit. Buddhist scriptures saw reservoir building as a king’s duty. The inscriptions warn elephant handlers. They should keep their elephants off the dyke. They called the elephants dyke breakers. The inscriptions are poems. They praise Kavindrarimathana. Different people signed them.
Notice the lion figures at the stairs. Admire the colonettes at the doors. Two sandstone lintels remain in good condition. Lintels are beams above the door posts.
Bat Chum provides a peaceful experience away from the crowds. Rice fields surround the area. Monkeys relax and play nearby. The light is beautiful in the late afternoon. Morning also offers great photo opportunities. Remember your Angkor Temple Pass. You’ll need it on the main road before reaching Bat Chum.
Bat Chum may be small. Its history and serenity make it a worthwhile visit. It is a testament to Khmer artistry. It also shows devotion to Buddhism.