Preah Ko - Older than Angkor Wat

The Sacred Ox Temple of Ancient Hariharalaya.

Preah Ko, meaning "Sacred Bull," is one of the oldest temples in the Angkor region, built in 879 AD by King Indravarman I to honour his ancestors. Located in the ancient capital of Hariharalaya (now Roluos), it predates Angkor Wat by centuries and offers a quiet, evocative glimpse into early Khmer architecture.

The temple features six brick towers on a raised platform, each dedicated to the king’s forebears. At the front of the temple sit three statues of Nandi, Shiva’s sacred bull—hence the name. The carvings, though weathered, still reveal graceful lintels and Sanskrit inscriptions that whisper stories of divine lineage and devotion.

Preah Ko may lack the scale of Angkor’s later temples, but its historical importance and peaceful charm make it a rewarding stop for those interested in the roots of Khmer civilization.

#cambodiatrip #historicallandmarks #siemreap

Post by Ian91 | Aug 2, 2025