Prasat Neang Khmao: The Black Stupa of Koh Ker

Prasat Neang Khmao: The Black Stupa of Koh Ker

Prasat Neang Khmao: The Black Stupa of Koh Ker 📍 Location Koh Ker Complex 🏛️ Era 10th Century (Jayavarman IV) 🪨 Material Blackened Laterite Stone 🎟️ Ticket Included in Koh Ker Pass ($15) While the massive pyramid of Prasat Thom gets all the attention at Koh Ker, the site is filled with smaller, mysterious satellite temples. One of the most intriguing is Prasat Neang Khmao ("The Temple of the Black Lady"). Standing alone on a small hill, this tall, chimney-like tower is named for its eerie, blackened appearance. The "Burnt" Temple Why is it Black? Unlike the reddish bricks or grey sandstone of other temples, Prasat Neang Khmao is constructed from Laterite that has heavily oxidized over 1,000 years, turning it a deep charcoal black. Looking at it, you might think the temple was burned in a great fire, but the color is actually natural. 🔥 The Temple of Fire? This temple is unique because it faces West —a direction usually associated with death in Hindu culture. Because of this, and…