Phnom Bakheng – Pilgrim’s Progress – Photo’s

           A while ago, I projected the architecture of the Mountain Temple, Phnom Bakheng in Angkor influencing the devotees’ pilgrimage.  I have a number of photos I took to help visualize the journey at Phnom Bakheng. 

                We might see in this photo, far at the bottom, the starting point of the pilgrim.  The jumbled stones on the path are the original stairs that they climbed.  It is rumored that the Cambodian agency will reconstruct the stone steps and allow those on religious pilgrimage to mount the steps. 

                I envision steep steps, and a slow ascent where the pilgrim slowly realizes that his connection with the earth decreases.    

Steps leading up to Phnom Bakheng Plateau

The narrow corridor certainly emphasizes the separation from earth as the devotee ascends.

The plateaus and causeway to the Central Temple

 And at the top of the stairs, maybe a bit out of breath, the devotee reaches the plateau and sees a long-paved causeway.  And in the distance is the Temple.  Possibly midway there is a resting place for the pilgrim to rest and offer prayers.

Decorated Guideposts Leading the Devotee to Glory

And after you stop and offer prayers, you walk closer to the Temple.  The architect has offered guide posts directing the devotee forward.  The posts are decorated, speaking to the glory of the temple, of the god worshipped, or the glory of the experience to come.

Approaching the Temple

The details of the Temple become distinct.  The towers at each level project majesty.  A glimpse of the central tower entices.

The stairs draw you upward

The immediacy of the stairs and entry into the sacred space is within reach.

The beauty of the artwork, enhances the glory of the god.

On the top of Phnom Bakheng. Beyond earthly bounds.

At the top, you are beyond the earth, elevated with the Gods.