West Mebon (Baray)

West Mebon Temple is located outside the west gate of Angkor Thom, about ten kilometers northwest of Siem Reap. Ximeben Temple is located on the central island of Xichi, one of the most important water conservancy projects in Angkor and the largest artificial pool in the world. The temple used to enshrine a bronze statue of Vishnu resting in the water of the universe. The present bronze statue was moved to the National Museum in Phnom Penh. West Mebon Temple is an ancestor temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu built by Udayadityavarman II, the king of Chenla in the middle of the 11th century. In 1050 AD, Suryavarman I died, and his son succeeded him as Udayadityavarman II. Udayadityavarman II built the Bapuon Temple and the West. Mei Ben Temple (WestMebon). During his reign, there were several large-scale domestic rebellions, but fortunately they were quelled by his general Sangrama. In 1066 AD, Udayadityavarman II and his younger brother, Harshavarman III, succeeded to the throne, but due to civil strife and the war with the Chams tribe, the kingship fell from the Khorat Plateau (located in the present-day region). the royal family of Thailand).