We return to the Koh Ker temple complex a couple of hours northeast of Siem Reap

We return to the Koh Ker temple complex a couple of hours northeast of Siem Reap for a look at another of the sanctuaries housing a giant Linga - Prasat Linga 4 (aka Prasat Andong Kuk, Monument G). Like the other three monuments containing a monolithic Linga that we’ve looked at already, it stands northeast of the Rahal, the man-made baray that acts as the central focus point for the early tenth century capital of King Jayavarman IV, which was known as Lingapura, or ‘city of the Linga’ at that time. It’s another square sandstone tower, likely the biggest, open to the west with three false doors and sitting atop of a terrace platform. Almost a carbon copy of two of the other three temples, it’s roofless though its Linga and giant pedestal are badly damaged. The spout of the decorated pedestal, where water would’ve flowed out of a hole in the north wall is still visible, though the decorative standing lions have been removed by looters. The Linga’s domed, cylindrical upper section, associated with the god Shiva, has been severed in part and is now aided by steel bars. Through the doorway cluttered with blocks of stone, immediately across the old road and heading towards the Rahal lies a laterite entrance gopura is a very ruinous state.