Left by its restorers in a semi-ruined state Ta Som is a small temple that lies on the extension of the Prah Khan - Neak Pean axis.
This nice temple is a single unified ensemble built during the last phase of the Bayon period. It exhibits elements typical of Angkor’s larger temples like false windows with lowered blinds, devata sculptures and floral decoration.
Ta Som |
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The temple is enclosed by three laterite walls each one with an axial gopura, with the peculiarity that the enclosing moat lies inside the third enclosure. Although designed to be entered from east the present tourist entrance is from west. The western gopura of the third enclosure, adjoining the laterite wall of the enclosure, has four faces towers in the Bayon style, overlooking the cardinal directions. Its western fronton shows the standing bodhisattva surrounded by worshippers. There is a similar gopura to the east with the same fronton.
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Ta Som
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We cross the second enclosure walls by the west gopura II, in a state of ruin (the tower is lost).
The first enclosure is formed by a gallery, the four gopuras of the first gallery have a tower topped with a crown in the lotus flower motif.
Inside the inner temple, consisting of a central cruciform sanctuary, the ruins two small libraries and of various tympana not without interest. Unfortunately most of the bas reliefs have been defaced at the time of the xiii c Brahmanic reaction.
Following the visit the visitor cross again the second enclosure and reaches the eastern gopura III, overgrown by a giant ficus tree (Ficus religiosa).
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