Krol Ko Temple

Temple in Siem Reap

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95

Krol Ko Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Built at the end of the 12th century in the Bayon style under the reign of King Jayavarman VII (1181–1218 AD), it lies to the south of the famous Neak Pean island temple, situated in the Jaytataka Baray.

The site features remnants of an outer wall, with an eastern entrance leading to what appears to be a cruciform terrace that connects to a gopura and another outer enclosure wall. Surrounding the site is a moat on three sides and a permanent basin to the northeast. Within the enclosure, you can find the remains of a library building and the central shrine, which is connected to the entrance gopura via its own laterite cruciform terrace.

Notable highlights at Krol Ko include pediments on the ground, such as one depicting Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara standing on a lotus, flanked by devotees, and another showing Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana to protect the shepherds. The site also features devata bas-reliefs and interesting roundels or medallions that enclose figurines, similar to those found at Preah Khan and other late 12th-century temples. Additionally, several niches at Krol Ko retain their original idols, which were often removed or defaced during later periods of religious change.

The temple does not have an inscription to mark its foundation but is dated based on its architectural style.

The Krol Ko Temple appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Siem Reap!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!