North Khleang Temple
| Date: | Late 10th century, early 11th century CE |
| Style: | Khleang |
| King: |
Jayavarman V (reign 968 – 1001 CE) or Suryavarman I (reign 1002 – 1050 CE) |
| Cult: | Hindu |
North Khleang Temple (Khmer: ខាងជើងឃ្លាំង) is, with the South Khleang Temple, one of two long and narrow buildings arranged symmetrically on either side of the royal road leading from the Royal Palace to the East Baray.
They are similar to, though much more elaborate than, the long halls found in 10th century temples.
As with the Suor Proat Temple towers, their exact function remains unknown. Some scholars take their modern name (khleang, means 'storehouse' in Khmer), as an indication that they housed the royal treasure. Others thought of them as reception halls for dignitaries, and some believed they were sanctuaries.
When visiting, be sure to check out the finely carved colonettes on each side of the doorways, the unique engraved map near the base of the north jamb of the southeast doorway, and the 1000-year old wooden beams still in place above the doorways.
There is a small cruciform sanctuary at the back of the North Khleang, featuring a frieze of small figures in medallions. A little further east is a small temple, facing west, enclosed by a laterite wall. The single square sanctuary standing on a high base has lovely little antefixes in the shape of miniature temples lying around it.
Map of North Khleang Temple
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