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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