| East Mebon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| Deity | Shiva |
| Location | |
| Location | Angkor |
| Country | Cambodia |
  Location in Cambodia | |
| Geographic coordinates | 13°26′48″N103°55′12″E / 13.44667°N 103.92000°E /13.44667; 103.92000 |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Khmer |
| Creator | Rajendravarman |
| Completed | 10th century A.D. |
TheEast Mebon (Khmer:ប្រាសាទមេបុណ្យខាងកើត) is a 10th Century temple atAngkor,Cambodia. Built during the reign of KingRajendravarman, it stands on what was an artificial island at the center of the now dryEast Baray reservoir.[1]: 73–75 [2]: 116
The East Mebon was dedicated to theHindu godShiva and honors the parents of the king. Its location reflects Khmer architects’ concern with orientation and cardinal directions. The temple was built on a north–south axis with Rajendravarman's state temple,Pre Rup, located about 1,200 meters to the south just outside the baray. The East Mebon also lies on an east–west axis with the palace templePhimeanakas, another creation of Rajendravarman's reign, located about 6,800 meters due west.
Built in the general style of Pre Rup, the East Mebon was dedicated in 953 AD. It has two enclosing walls and three tiers. It includes the full array of durable Khmer construction materials:sandstone,brick,laterite andstucco. At the top is a central tower on a square platform, surrounded by four smaller towers at the platform's corners. The towers are of brick; holes that formerly anchored stucco are visible.
The sculpture at the East Mebon is varied and exceptional, including two-meter-high free-standing stone elephants at corners of the first and second tiers. Religious scenes include the godIndra atop his three-headed elephantAiravata, andShiva on his mount, the sacred bullNandi. Carving on lintels is particularly elegant.
Visitors looking out from the upper level today are left to imagine the vast expanses of water that formerly surrounded the temple. Four landing stages at the base give reminder that the temple was once reached by boat.
