Roluos Group (Bakong, Lolei, Preah Ko) | Siem Reap

Roluos Group – The Cradle of Angkorian Architecture

The Roluos Group is a collection of temples located about 13 kilometers southeast of Siem Reap, which served as the first capital of the Khmer Empire, known as Hariharalaya, during the reign of King Indravarman I in the 9th century. The temples of the Roluos Group are significant because they represent some of the earliest examples of Angkorian architecture and laid the foundations for the subsequent grandeur of the Angkor civilization.

The Roluos Group consists of three major temples: Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko. Each of these temples has its own distinct features and historical significance, but together they offer a glimpse into the early development of Khmer architecture, religion, and culture.

1. Bakong

Historical Significance

• Bakong is the largest and most important temple in the Roluos Group. Built in the late 9th century, during the reign of King Indravarman I (who founded the capital of Hariharalaya), Bakong is considered one of the first temples in the Angkor region to adopt the temple-mountain design.
• Bakong was originally dedicated to Shiva, and it marks an important step in the development of Khmer religious architecture.

Architectural Features

• Temple-Mountain Design: The temple is built in the shape of a temple-mountain, symbolizing Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology. At the top of the temple, a central tower rises above smaller towers, creating a striking pyramid-like structure.
• Moat and Galleries: The temple is surrounded by a large moat, which is an important feature in the layout of many Angkorian temples, symbolizing the cosmic ocean. The temple’s outer galleries are adorned with intricate carvings depicting divinities and mythological scenes.
• Central Sanctuary: The central tower originally housed a linga (a representation of the Hindu god Shiva), which was the focus of religious ceremonies.

Restoration and Preservation

• While Bakong has undergone restoration efforts, it retains much of its original appearance and remains an impressive site in its own right. It is still an active place of worship and offers visitors a glimpse into the early stages of the Khmer Empire's architectural style.

2. Lolei

Historical Significance

• Lolei was built in the late 9th century by King Yasovarman I, the son of Indravarman I, and it was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is notable for its distinctive design and its role in the development of the Angkorian style.
• Lolei is also important because it was part of the construction of the early capital of Hariharalaya, and it likely served as a place of worship for the royal family.

Architectural Features

• Distinctive Design: Lolei consists of four brick towers arranged in a rectangular formation. The towers are made of laterite and brick, with some still retaining their original carvings. The design of Lolei is more compact and smaller compared to Bakong but still adheres to the early temple-mountain layout.
• Carvings and Sculptures: The temple features carvings of deities such as Shiva, and there are remnants of Brahmanical reliefs that provide insight into the religious practices of the time.

Restoration and Preservation

• While Lolei has experienced some wear and tear, especially from the elements, it has been partially restored, with several of its towers standing as impressive remnants of the Khmer Empire’s early artistic expression. Today, Lolei remains an important site in the Roluos Group, providing insight into early Khmer architecture and religious practices.

3. Preah Ko

Historical Significance

• Preah Ko, built in the late 9th century, was the first major temple constructed by King Indravarman I and is believed to be dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati. The temple was part of the king’s effort to establish the kingdom's power and religious authority at the dawn of the Khmer Empire.
• Preah Ko was originally constructed as a royal temple, intended to honor the king’s ancestors and serve as a spiritual center for the early Khmer kings.

Architectural Features

• Distinctive Tower Design: The temple is comprised of six towers, arranged in two rows of three. Each of the towers represents one of the king’s ancestors, and they are adorned with carvings of deities and mythological figures. The temple’s design is more compact than Bakong and represents a more refined approach to Khmer temple architecture.
• Carvings and Sculptures: Preah Ko features significant sculptural reliefs of Hindu gods and deities, including the central figures of Shiva and Parvati, who were honored at the site.
• Laterite Construction: The temple is constructed primarily of laterite stone, which was later covered in brick, and it demonstrates the early use of these materials in Khmer construction.

Restoration and Preservation

• Preah Ko has also undergone restoration work, particularly on its towers, but much of its intricate carvings and sculptural details remain visible, offering a glimpse into the spiritual world of the early Khmer kings.

Significance of the Roluos Group in Khmer History

• The Roluos Group is considered the earliest phase of Angkorian architecture and represents a major shift in the development of Khmer religious and architectural practices. The temples mark the beginning of the Khmer Empire’s monumental temple construction and the transition from earlier Hindu influences to the grander Angkorian style that would later characterize the empire's more famous temples like Angkor Wat and Bayon.
• The Roluos temples are significant because they were built at the time when the Khmer people were solidifying their political power and religious identity, as well as expanding the empire. The temples at Roluos provide insight into how early Khmer rulers used architecture to establish their divine right to rule and express their devotion to Hindu gods.
• Additionally, the site offers a contrast to the more famous, fully restored temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park, providing visitors with a chance to see what Angkorian architecture looked like before the later restoration and tourism-driven efforts.

Visiting the Roluos Group

1. Easy Access from Siem Reap

• The Roluos Group is located just a short drive (about 20 to 30 minutes) from Siem Reap. It’s a popular half-day trip for those looking to explore the earlier temples of the Angkor period without the crowds often found at more famous sites like Angkor Wat.

2. Ideal for History Buffs and Architecture Enthusiasts

• The Roluos temples are particularly interesting for those fascinated by the early development of Khmer architecture, ancient history, and religious practices.

3. Less Crowded

• As the Roluos temples are not as heavily visited as the major Angkor temples, they offer a quieter, more peaceful experience for visitors who prefer to avoid large crowds.

Conclusion

The Roluos Group is a must-visit for anyone interested in the early history of the Khmer Empire and Angkorian architecture. With its historically significant temples—Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko—the site offers an intimate look at the foundations of the Angkorian civilization, its religious devotion, and its evolving architectural styles. Visiting the Roluos Group is an opportunity to step back in time and explore the roots of the majestic Angkor temples that would come to define the Khmer Empire.