Royal Enclosure & Phimeanakas

Phimeanakas stands close to the centre of a walled area that once housed the royal palace. There's very little left of the palace today except for two sandstone pools near the northern wall. Once the site of royal ablutions, these are now used as swimming holes by local children. The royal enclosure is fronted to the east by the Terrace of Elephants. Construction of the palace began under Rajendravarman II, although is was used by Jayavarman V and Udayadityavarman I. It was later added to and embellished by Jayavarman VII and his successors.
    Phimeanakas means 'celestial Palace', and some scholars say that it was once topped by a golden
spire. Today it only hits at its former splendour and looks a little worse for wear. The Temple isanother pyramidal representation of Mt Meru, with three levels. Most of the decorative features are broken or have disappeared. Still, it is worth clambering up to the second and third levels for good views of Baphuon.

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Article	LonelyPlanet
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Youtube Video	Royal Enclosure & Phimeanakas

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