Ak Yom Temple
| Date: | 7th century CE |
| Style: | Kompong Preah |
| Cult: | Hindu (Shaivite) |
Ak Yom, or Ak Yum (Khmer: ប្រាសាទអកយំ), is one of the oldest temples found around Angkor - the earliest attested date is 590, and it was completed early in the 7th century CE. It was occupied up until the beginning of the 11th century CE.
Ak Yom was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
Ak Yom is located on the south-western edge of the West Baray, about 8 km (5 miles) to the west of Angkor Thom.
When the temple was unearthed in the 1930s, parts of it were in a good state of repair, and it was clearly a prototype of the temple mountains so characteristic of Khmer architecture.
Today, however, Ak Yom is little more than a pile of bricks, though the walk along the edge of the West Baray is very pleasant in the dry season.
Map of Ak Yom
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.