Beng Mealea | Siem Reap

Beng Mealea – A Hidden Gem of the Angkor Complex

Beng Mealea is a stunning and relatively undiscovered temple located about 40 kilometers east of Siem Reap, deep within the Cambodian jungle. Often referred to as the "Lost Temple" or the "Angkor Wat’s Sister," Beng Mealea is an incredibly atmospheric and intriguing site that remains largely in its natural, unrestored state, providing visitors with a rare glimpse into the decay and mystery of ancient Khmer architecture.

History of Beng Mealea

• Beng Mealea was built in the early 12th century, likely during the reign of King Suryavarman II, the same ruler who commissioned the construction of Angkor Wat.
• Like many temples in the Angkor region, it was originally dedicated to Hindu gods, particularly Vishnu. However, it later became a Buddhist site as well, as many other temples in the region did over time.
• The temple was probably used as a prayer site and a monument to reinforce the king’s power and divinity. Despite its grandeur, Beng Mealea was not as important as Angkor Wat or Bayon, which may explain why it has been left to the elements, overgrown with vegetation and largely forgotten for centuries.

Architectural Features of Beng Mealea

1. Temple-Mountain Design

• Beng Mealea follows the traditional temple-mountain design common to Khmer temples, symbolizing the cosmic mount Meru, which is central in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.
• The temple consists of multiple concentric galleries surrounding a central sanctuary, with towers at the corners and a multi-tiered structure.

2. Impressive Carvings and Sculptures

• The temple is filled with intricate carvings, but many of these are either damaged or obscured by the overgrowth of the jungle. Still, some sculptural details can be seen, including reliefs of deities, mythical creatures, and Hindu motifs.
• Apsaras (divine dancers) and other figures from Hindu mythology adorn the walls, offering a glimpse into the artistic style of the time.

3. Collapse and Ruins

• One of the most striking features of Beng Mealea is the collapsed state of the temple. Many of the stone blocks have fallen into piles, and trees and vines have grown over the ruins, adding to the mysterious and overgrown atmosphere.
• Some parts of the temple have been left in their original state, offering visitors the chance to explore the chaotic beauty of the temple and experience it as it might have looked centuries ago.

4. Large Galleries and Outer Wall

• The temple is surrounded by a large moat, and the outer wall of the temple is still largely intact. The wall encloses the central structure and adds to the sense of isolation and mystery.
• The galleries within the temple are filled with large stones and rubble, creating a maze-like atmosphere. Visitors can wander through the temple’s remains, exploring the collapsed passageways and overgrown courtyards.

5. The Central Sanctuary

• At the heart of the temple, a large central sanctuary once contained statues of deities and served as the focal point of religious ceremonies. The sanctuary is now largely ruined, but it still retains some of its original grandeur and provides insight into the temple’s spiritual significance.

Visiting Beng Mealea

1. A Less-Touristed Site

• Unlike the more popular temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, Beng Mealea remains relatively undiscovered by mainstream tourism. The site offers a more intimate experience, where visitors can explore a raw, untamed version of Khmer architecture surrounded by nature.

2. The Journey to Beng Mealea

• To reach Beng Mealea, visitors can take a 40-minute drive from Siem Reap. The journey to the temple involves traveling through rural Cambodian villages and scenic landscapes.
• Visitors are required to purchase a ticket to access the site, and a local guide is often recommended to help navigate the ruins and understand the history and significance of the temple.

3. Natural Beauty and Exploration

• A unique aspect of Beng Mealea is the jungle environment surrounding the temple. The site is not as restored or maintained as other temples in Angkor, and much of the temple is still covered in lush vegetation.
• The wildlife and flora around the temple make it an interesting place for those interested in nature, photography, and history. It’s common to see monkeys and other wildlife in the area.

4. Temple Condition

• While the condition of the temple means that it is not as easily accessible or as easy to navigate as other temples, the very fact that it remains in this decayed state makes it feel like a hidden treasure for those who make the journey.
• Visitors can climb over fallen stones, squeeze through narrow gaps, and experience the wonder of an ancient temple overtaken by nature.

Beng Mealea in the Context of Angkor

• Beng Mealea is often described as a sister temple to Angkor Wat because of the similarities in design, though it was built on a smaller scale and not to the same level of importance.
• The temple provides a contrast to the more polished and heavily visited temples in the Angkor region, offering visitors a chance to experience the raw, untamed beauty of the Khmer Empire’s architectural legacy.
• Unlike temples like Angkor Wat, which have been extensively restored, Beng Mealea is a reminder of how ancient monuments can be reclaimed by nature and become a part of the surrounding environment.

Conclusion

Beng Mealea is a magnificent and mysterious temple that provides an entirely different experience compared to the more famous temples of the Angkor complex. Its undisturbed ruins, overgrown vegetation, and intricate carvings offer a unique insight into the grandeur and decay of the Khmer Empire. Visiting Beng Mealea feels like stepping into a forgotten world, where nature and architecture coexist in a way that is both awe-inspiring and intimate. Whether you are an avid historian, a photographer, or simply a traveler looking to explore the road less traveled, Beng Mealea is a must-see hidden gem in the Angkor region.