Bat Chum Temple

CAMBODIA, Siem Reap, Angkor Thom

Located approximately 4 km east of the ancient city of Yasodharapura, Bat Chum was the first Buddhist temple at Angkor. It was built by Kavindrarimathana, a learned Buddhist minister of King Rajendravarman II (reigned circa 944–968). Although the king was a Hindu, he was magnanimous towards other religions, so that Mahayana Buddhism was able to flourish. Based on temple inscriptions, the consecration of the temple took place in the year 960. There used to be images of Sakyamuni Buddha, Prajnaparamita Bodhisattva, and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva within the temple.
Three similar square brick towers stand on a high laterite platform in the center of the temple, which is surrounded by a moat. The main entrances face east, while false doors can be found on the other three sides. On either side of the doorways, there is a pair of octagonal pillars decorated with stucco moldings with ornamental patterns. The fine carvings on the lintels are partly damaged. The top parts of the structures are shaped like a truncated pyramid, while most of the bricks on the sides and spire are damaged or have fallen off. Standing guard before the central tower there is a pair of crouching lions with missing heads.