Chao Say Tevoda Temple

Chao Say Tevoda Temple

Chao Say Tevoda Temple

Date:                               Built in early twelfth century

Religion:                         Hinduism-Buddhism

King:                               Soryavarman II (1112-1150)

Posthumous name:    Paramavishnuloka

 

The plan of Chao Say Tevoda is almost the same to Thommanon temple, but the difference is this temple has two libraries, the bridge, the causeway leading to Siem Reap River, and the two entrance structures still remains. Actually, Chao Say was a mixed religious temple between Buddhism and Hinduism because there’re still carvings of Buddha’s legend, especially the popular story of Preah Visadatara in the lintels and pediments of this temple.

 

The causeway of Chao Say was used as a walkway to take water from Siem Reap River to pure on Linga sculpture in the central tower.

The inscription of this temple tells us aboutShivasaharatri ceremony celebrated inside this temple. Shivasaharatri was a ceremony, which was by Hindu followers to memorize the night when Shiva made love with his nine wives to absorb female energy called sakti to upgrades his sacred power to create the universe and all creatures. Shiva died on his wife’s chest after he had created the universe and creatures successfully. That’s why the Hindu followers prayed to his Linga and his wife’s Yoni which were carved together. after the Brahmins had poured water on the top of Linga, they got holy water from the spout of Yoni sculpture to share with the king, and other Brahmins. Sometimes, The Brahmins poured milk on Linga instead of water, because milk is white color which is significant of Shiva’s sperm.