Phnom Krom Temple
| Date: | Early 10th century CE |
| Style: | Bakheng |
| King: | Yashovarman I (reign 889 – 915 CE) |
| Cult: | Hindu (Trimurti) |
Phnom Krom Temple (Khmer: ភ្នំក្រោម) was devoted to the Hindu Trimurti of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma), and has exactly the same layout as Phnom Bok Temple, the other 'Trimurti' temple erected by Yashovarman I.
Built on the top of the 140 m (460') hill of the same name, Phnom Krom's sanctuaries have kept their towers but stone delamination has almost entirely destroyed the walls’ decoration.
Phnom Krom hill is very rocky, and local legend has it that the rocks were exposed by the monkey general Hanuman during a hunt for medicine in the Ramayana epic.
It is well worth the 1 km, 20 minute walk to the top, if only to enjoy the view at sunset, especially at the end of the rainy season, when the surrounding rice fields are flooded, almost turning the hill into an island.
Map of Phnom Krom Temple
Also in Angkorpedia
Continue Reading
If this piece found something in you, you may wish to continue the journey elsewhere.
On The Lantern Chronicles, I gather writings from Angkor, myth and legend, contemplative essays, and poetry — works shaped by silence, beauty, wonder, memory, and the deeper questions that follow us through the world.
It is a place for stone and story, reflection and vow, shadow and revelation.
You would be most welcome there.