[M 011 / PREAH KO], LOLEI AND THE [M 010 / BAKONG]:
These three temples were built under Indravarman I and Yasovarman I at Roluos in the late ninth century. Together they formed a landmark in the development of Khmer architecture. The late ninth century was a time of experimentation and development for the architects. They were trying out various building methods and forms, working towards the style which would produce Angkor Wat.
At [G 26 / Preah] Ko, built by Indravarman I in AD880, six towers made of brick were grouped together on a low platform. They were decorated with carvings of sandstone blocks. On the doorposts of the temples were Sanskrit inscriptions explain the temple was built by Indravarman I to honor his ancestors. The temple was called Preah Ko, which means `sacred oxen,' because of the three statues of [G 23 / Nandin] that used to stand outside the towers.
The Bakong was a reasonably large pyramid temple built on a series of receding terraces. The central tower was used to house the royal [G 18 / linga] of Indravarman I. This was the first time the grand pyramid-form was used, representing the cosmic mountain of the Hindu gods. The base of the pyramid was 180 square feet, with eight towers made from brick and sandstone. Three walls and a moat enclosed the buildings. This would be the basis for future pyramid temples and the building of Angkor Wat 250 years later.
Lolei temple was dedicated to Yasovarman's mother, father and maternal grandparents in AD893. It was built on a small island in the center of a large reservoir. The towers of this temple were almost exactly the same as those of Preah Ko temple built by Indravarman 23 years before.
All three temples were decorated with beautiful carvings and statues of gods in small niches with a canopy to shelter the statue. [G 10 / Devas], [G 10 / devatas] and [G 01 / asparas] were carved on the walls. There was further Indian iconography in the nandi and [G 22 / nagas]. At the Bakong, there were statues of [G 29 / Siva] and his consorts.
