Lolei Temple

The construction of Lolei Temple by King Yasovarman I in 893 marked a turning point in the history of the Khmer Empire, 91 years after Jayavarman II founded it in 802. Jayavarman II, who is known for introducing the Khmer script derived from Sanskrit, built the Lolei Temple at the center of the Indratataka Baray (water reservoir) in the capital of Hariharalaya, now known as Roluos. This reservoir had been dug by his father, Indravarman I, in 889, just before his death. Indravarman I had previously constructed the Preah Ko and Bakong temples to the south about a decade earlier. Yasovarman I dedicated this Hindu temple to Shiva and his family, and then, in the same period, moved the capital of the Khmer Empire, naming it Yasodharapura, which would remain its name for several centuries, to the site of present-day Angkor Thom. He initially built his state temple there, the Phnom Bakheng.

Thus, Lolei marked the transition between two legendary capitals of the empire. The first, Hariharalaya, was specifically established by the "Chakravartin," the universal monarch or King of Kings, Jayavarman II, who liberated the Khmer people from the yoke of Java in 802 and founded the empire. The second, Angkor, long called Yasodharapura, became the most iconic capital of the empire, which lasted over six centuries.

Visiting the Temple today

History will remember Lolei as the first Khmer temple built in the middle of a water reservoir, or baray. This was a common representation at the time to identify temples as symbolic of the legendary Mount Meru, the central pillar of Hinduism. Today, however, you will no longer find water in this ancient reservoir, as it has been dry for a long time.

You can walk to the temple. Don’t be alarmed if you see metal structures around the reddish towers representing Lolei, as this is one of the oldest Angkorian temples and is often under renovation to ensure it stands the test of time. Yasovarman I built Lolei in honor of his family, the royal family. The four towers built represent, for the two smaller ones, his parents, and for the two larger ones, his grandparents. The two towers at the front represent the male figures, while the female figures are depicted in the rear towers. The later-built Wat Lolei pagoda is located next to these four towers. The lintels beautifully decorate these structures, with depictions of nagas and the Hindu god Indra riding his mount, Airavata.

It is a very pleasant spot, and you can enhance your experience by visiting the neighboring villages. With your guide, you can engage in conversations with the local people and discuss what you have just learned.