This unassuming temple, with a Buddha beneath a small pavilion, rather than within elaborate chambers and towers, features the image found in the pit beneath Bayon temple. A solemn place to contemplate and pay respect.
At the top of a series of low terraces flanked by naga balustrades, a seated, 12-foot-tall Buddha looks out over a quiet and shady compound surrounded by a low wall. While there are a number of similar looking shrines within Angkor Thom, Prasat Prompil Loveng houses the Buddha image that was discovered in the pit beneath the central sanctuary of Bayon temple in 1933 and may have the Buddha image installed there by Jayavarman VII when he consecrated the temple.
Discovered in fragments, the image was reconstructed and presented to King Sisowath Monivong in 1935. King Monivong had the Buddha installed in this unassuming temple.
Orientation
The entrance to Prasat Prompil Loveng is located along the Victory Way between the Prasats Suor Proat and the Victory Gate, just opposite the toilets. Passing through the low wall, surrounding the temple, ascend a series of low platforms with lions flanking the stairs and naga balustrades surrounding the lower terracese.
As at other active Buddhist temples, it is required you remove your shoes prior to approaching the Vihear within which the Buddha image is located. Notice the face of the Buddha, distinctly Cambodian, and thought to be in the likeness of Jayavarman VII.
Before departing, it is worth a stroll to the back of the temple to get a photograph of the Prasats Suor Proat reflected in the pool built beside them. If you are so inclined, it’s a short walk southeast to nearby Wat Lang (?) where a two headed calf is preserved in a tank of formaldehyde before a shrine of hundreds of small, modern Buddha images.
Need to Know
- What is it: A modern, outdoor shrine housing the Buddha image that may have once graced Bayon temple.
- When to visit: As Prasat Prompil Loveng is located in a shady forest, it can be visited in the middle of the day while entering or exiting Angkor Thom via the Victory Way.
- Nearest Town: Siem Reap
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Don’t Miss: The Buddha image that may have once graced Bayon temple.
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King: Jayavarman VII and King Sisowath Monivong
- Date: late 12th century / early 20th century
- Religion: Buddhism
- Artistic Style: Bayon