Ta Keo, Cambodia - Temple, Mountain, Sandstone Blocks

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This is a large, temple-mountain style structure, built of massive sandstone blocks. It was built by three different kings: Jayavarman V, Jayaviravarman, and Suryavarman I. When Jayavarman V started the temple, it was his state-temple, but unlike other state temples, it was built outside of the central capital area. The temple is devoted to the Hindu god, Shiva, and seems to have been adorned with golden towers, as it was known in ancient times as the mountain with golden peaks. Construction on the temple seems to have stopped unexpectedly in the beginning stages of beautification.