Phnom Bok is located 22 km from the center of Siem Reap. It is one of the three temples built of sandstone on the three hills of the Angkor region (the other two are Phnom Bakheng and Phnom Krom). Their construction began after King Yashovarman I decided to move the capital from Roluos to Angkor. This was at the end of the 9th - beginning of the 10th centuries.
The hill on which Phnom Bok Temple stands is 235 m high. And if you dare to conquer the 633 steep steps, you will certainly be rewarded with stunning views of the plains of Angkor and Phnom Kulen National Park. And to encourage yourself during the ascent, imagine what it was like for the builders of this temple, hauling भारी stone blocks to the top of the hill.
Today many rooms of Phnom Bok are heavily ruined, but here and there you can see remnants of reliefs with figures of the main deity seated on branches spreading in different directions. And on them you can see tiny faces of other gods.
Not far from the temple, you can find a large square platform measuring 10*10 meters, which served as the base for a 4-meter lingam (a phallic symbol). For many, it still remains a mystery how the ancient Khmers managed to raise a stone block weighing 10 tons to the top of the hill. Perhaps they were given strength by their faith that this symbol would surely bring their families many strong and healthy babies.
