Unique in the Kingdom: Preah Vihear province’s ancient Buddha statues

via Phnom Penh Post, 25 Sep 2019: Chaktomuk Temple, a unique temple near the Preah Khan of Kompong Svay.

Chaktomuk Temple, a unique ancient Buddhist shrine in Cambodia, is gradually regaining its popularity as a heritage site destination as more tourists visit the attraction following its restoration last year.

The temple’s four surviving back-to-back Buddha statues – facing north, south, east and west respectively – are regarded as unique in Cambodia.

Chaktomuk Temple is located within the vicinity of the Bakan temples, also known as the Preah Khan Kompong Svay archaeological complex, built between the 11th and 14th century about 100km east of Angkor in Preah Vihear province.

Prior to restoration, the upper half of the Chaktomuk Temple structure had collapsed, with the four back-to-back Buddha statues covered by overgrown plants which had eroded their surface.

Source: Unique in the Kingdom: Preah Vihear province’s ancient Buddha statues | Phnom Penh Post