The majestic ziggurat of Ta Keo, most enigmatic of the minor fanes, stepping
up toward the sun with dignity and power suggestive of Angkor vat. It
is dripping with green and crowned with trees, but is still supreme over
the forest. Its rocky masses, rising above the tops of the coconut palms,
convert the impression that it only recently emerged from some cavern
underground, carrying the forest with it in its rocketing ascent.
 Ta
Keo's lack of ornament makes it distinctive among the works of the Khmer,
who were so prodigal of decoration. But its very simplicity give it architectural
importance, its plan shows the development of anew spirit in the people,
the growth of good taste.
Location : Ta Keo is locate in the east of Thommanon and Chau Say
Tevoda. A enter and leave by the south or east entrances.
Tip: The ascent to this temple is step and because of its orientation
a visit in the morning is preferable. It was built in the end of the tenth
century to early 11th century by the King Jayavarman V to Suryavarman
I dedicated to Siva (Hindu), replica to Kleang style of art.
Background : An unusual aspect of this temple is that it remains
unfinished; the reason for its no completion is unknown. Had it been finished,
Ta Keo would undoubtedly have been one of the finest temples at Angkor.
It is an imposing sight, scaling 22 meters (72feet) to the sky, and gives
an impression of power. Ta Keo is the first temple built entirely in sandstone
and as such serves as a milestone in Khmer history. Enormous blocks of
stone were cut to a regular size and placed in position. The absence of
decoration at ta Keo gives it a simplicity of design that separates it
from the other monuments.
 Layout
: Ta Keo is square in Plan with five towers arranged like the dots
on the face of a die and stands majestically on a terrace that is 12 meters
(39 feet) high with three tiers. It is a representation of Mount Meru.
The base has fine molding. The temple has two enclosures (1 and 2) with
entry towers on each side. There are inscription on the pilasters of the
east entry tower (3). The first two tiers of the platform form the base
of two courtyards. One is enclosed by a wall the other by a gallery, the
gallery is too narrow to permit walking around.
The east entrance to Ta Keo is marked by a causeway over a moat that
is preceded by lions and boundary stones ( not shown on the plan ). The
entry tower in the exterior wall was made of sandstone with a central
tower and three passages. On each side of the east wall there was a long
hall (4) that was probably a shelter for pilgrims. It was preceded by
a porch with pillars (5).
The second terrace has a molded laterite base with four sandstone entry
towers, one on each side. It is surrounded by a sandstone gallery lit
by windows on the in terrier. The gallery completely surrounds the terrace
and has openings on each of the four sides. On the east there are two
long halls (6) of the same type as the rest halls on the first terrace.
Two libraries (7) open to the west.
Central Area : The upper level is square and stands on a tiered
base with stairways on each side> Most of the space on the upper level
is occupied by the five tower, all unfinished, opening to the four cardinal
points. The Central Sanctuary (8) dominates the layout. It is raised above
the other towers and is given further importance by the development of
porches and pediments. The interior of the central tower is undecorated
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