Angkor Wat - Preah Ko - Lolei Temple

Preah Ko and Lolei are vital early 9th-century temples belonging to the Roluos Group, built in the ancient capital of Hariharalaya. Located about 12-15 km southeast of Angkor Wat, they offer a fascinating look at the architectural origins of the Khmer Empire before the move to the main Angkor park.

Temples and History

Preah Ko

• Preah Ko (The Sacred Bull): Built in 879 CE by King Indravarman I, this temple consists of six elegantly carved brick towers. It was dedicated to Shiva and honors the king's predecessors, featuring prominent statues of Nandi the bull.

• Lolei: Built in 893 CE by King Yasovarman I, this is a nearly exact replica of Preah Ko. Originally, these four brick towers sat on an artificial island in the center of the Indratataka reservoir (now rice fields). 

Lolei Temple

• Angkor Wat connection: These sites form the evolutionary bridge in Khmer architecture. Preah Ko and Lolei exhibit intricate stucco and brickwork, setting the foundation for the massive sandstone masterpieces later found at Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat

Photo by: Sathya Moth