How about we journey back to the 8th century here at Phum Prasat? It stands as a testament to Cambodia’s rich history. Phum Prasat, sometimes called Prasat Phoum or Prasat Pagoda, is more than just an old temple. It is a tall rectangular brick structure.
This temple sits on the grounds of a modern monastery. Imagine the scene centuries ago. This was a royal palace where royal valuables were kept.
Phum Prasat showcases the Kampong Preah style. This artistic style thrived in the 8th century. Much of the original artwork remains. It is amazing it survived the passage of time.
The temple faced potential ruin. The French School decided to repair Phum Prasat. M. L. Fombertaux, Inspector of the Archaeological Service, led the restoration starting in 1928.
They cleared the area around the tower. This revealed foundations of two square structures. The monument was reinforced using brick masonry and cement mortar. Iron strapping was added for extra support.
Exploration around Phum Prasat uncovered remains of other buildings. There was a levee of land with door jambs and a lintel. Mounds lined up from north to south. Some had brick walls. One had a staircase leading to a buried door.
Two basins with edges arranged in tiers were also found. Two mounds revealed sandstone abutments under a shelter. The work saved an interesting edifice. It also showed the sanctuary was part of a larger group of temples.
The temple’s design is striking. It has a rectangular layout and a barreled roof. Arched pediments once adorned each end. Traces of these can still be seen.
Though time has faded some carvings, well-preserved sections remain. Ornate pilasters display three floral patterns. Decoration graces the base molding. It also runs up the centerline above the doorways.
Phum Prasat opens to the east. A sandstone doorframe stands flanked by decorated columns. An inscription on the doorframe dates to 706 AD. It mentions donations to the temple.
Around the site, remnants of an earlier pagoda are visible. You can see pillar bases and a large pedestal. A doorstep or moonstone also remains.
South-east of the pagoda is a mound called Tuol Po. A tree engulfs it, preserving remnants of an ancient shrine. Sandstone slabs and a water schist or somasutra are among the finds.
Another mound, Neak Ta Boran, has a contemporary shelter. It features a sandstone plinth and pedestal fragment. Small bell-style chedi or stupa line the pagoda’s eastern side.
Inside, the room was covered by a vault. Projecting bricks supported the ceiling. Outside, the building had four floors and a complete terminal vault.
The main body has a base decorated with dentils, pearls, and lotuses. Pilasters adorn the corners. A cornice displays balusters, pearls, lotuses, and oblique leaves.
The door, missing its pediment, has columns and a lintel. Decorations on the columns resemble those at Sambor Prei Kuk. The three floors above the body are similar in layout.
The building reductions feature standing figures in niches. The second floor was more ornate. The third floor’s wall projects uniquely above the pattern.
The vault has gables decorated with pearls. A building reduction occupies the center. The top of Phum Prasat has been repaired. It now features a square mass resembling a pedestal.
The southern jamb of the door bears an inscription from before the 9th century. It mentions a dedication to Harihara. A statue of Harihara was found here. It is now in the Phnom Penh National Museum.
Phum Prasat has an inscription in Khmer and Sanskrit. The inscription mentions a donor and offerings to the god Çankaranarayana. The Sanskrit text includes an imprecation mentioning hell.
As you stand here, consider the layers of history beneath your feet. Phum Prasat connects us to the past. It showcases Khmer art and religious traditions.