“Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer - and often the supreme disappointment."

Ansel Adams .


Phnom Penh

Chau Say Tevoda

Chau Say Tevoda is a small temple of similar design and floor plan to Thommanon located across the street (except for additional gopuras and library). For years it looked like Thommanon’s neglected sister, languishing in significantly worse condition. In recent years Chau Say Tevoda has undergone an extensive restoration project, which is now largely complete.

Chau Say Tevoda seems to stand in partnership with Thommanon, but in fact was built much later in Suryavarman II’s rule (mid 12th-century). Chau Say Tevoda displays some well-executed carvings that are in still fair condition, especially those on the eastern gopura. Though most carvings are Hindu-themed, there are also some Buddhist-themed reliefs.

Chau Say Tevoda is rectangular in plan, with a Central Sanctuary opening to east, an enclosing wall with an entry tower in the middle of the enclosing wall at the east entrance. 

Central Sanctuary is a long room with a porch precedes the square Central Sanctuary connecting it with the east entry tower by a passage raised on three rows of columns of which only traces remain. This long room is covered with a pattern of flowers inscribed in squares and sculpted with stone flowers such as are seen at Banteay Srei and Baphuon. The three false doors of the Central Sanctuary are decorated with foliage and columns with diamond-shaped patterns (lozenges) and flowers (on the left); human figures accentuate some of the bands of foliage in the columns.

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