East Mebon Temple

East Mebon is a mid-10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, built by King Rajendravarman II on an artificial island at the center of the now-dry East Baray reservoir. In its original form it could only be reached by boat, and it served as both a royal temple and a symbolic representation of Mount Meru rising from the cosmic ocean. The temple is a three-tiered pyramid topped by five towers in a quincunx arrangement. Its most striking features are the four life-size stone elephants standing guard at the corners of the lower two tiers. Intricate carvings of devatas, lions, and naga balustrades adorn the galleries, and the tower carvings remain in remarkably fine condition.