Phimeanakas

Could a temple be home to a nine-headed serpent? This is the legend of Phimeanakas, a temple located within the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom. The name Phimeanakas means “celestial temple” or “aerial palace” in Sanskrit. This temple was built at the end of the 10th century by King Rajendravarman II and later finished by King Suryavarman I. Phimeanakas was constructed in the Khleang style, which is a type of temple that uses a three-tiered pyramid form. This pyramid reaches a height of approximately 12 meters, crowned by a platform that was once adorned with a large golden structure. This structure is what gave the temple its name. But the legend goes even deeper. The golden tower, believed to have been the pinnacle of Phimeanakas, was thought to be inhabited by a nine-headed serpent. The serpent, or Naga, would transform into a woman each night. The king was obliged to sleep with her each night before joining his wives and concubines. The legend says that if the king missed a single night, great calamity would befall the kingdom. And if the serpent failed to appear, then the king would die. The tale of the Naga is a captivating example of how a story could be woven into the very structure of a temple, transforming it into an embodiment of the divine. When standing before Phimeanakas, it’s tempting to imagine this golden tower, to envision the king’s nocturnal journey to the top, and the serpent’s transformation in the moonlight. But this is merely a story; Phimeanakas is tangible, its presence powerful. The temple’s stark beauty speaks to the ambition of the Khmer kings, reminding us that their power was not merely earthly, but embraced the heavens as well.