Angkor Temple Guide: # 31 Thommanon

Thommanon is a temple built in fine Angkor Wat style in the early part of the 12th century by King Suryavarman II. The grounds are laid out in a cruciform plan and has one single prasat. There are gopurum gates to the west and east and a library in excellent condition. There was some restoration work carried out here in the 1960s by french Archeologists.
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In excellent condition, Thommanon
Thommanon comes from two words, the Buddhist word for teaching ‘Dhamma’ and ‘nanda’ which means ‘supreme wisdom’. It has some exquisite carving include that of Apsaras on the outer walls. These Devata figures are wearing flowered crowns, necklaces, armbands, belts and anklets. They are often shown posing in the Khmer style of dancing whilst holding flowers between their ring finger and thumb, in the classic mudra pose. They are dressed in two distinct styles. One the same as Angkor Wat carvings, the other from a much earlier period in history.

The pediments are also well decorated with reliefs. Walking through the Mandapa and the Antarala you will notice extremely well preserved lintels above the doorways. these are not easily viewed in the darkness. You can also see Vishnu riding on Garuda whilst Indra sits atop the great elephant Airawata. The western Gopuram depicts Shiva meditating, at its south side and, at the north side, the legendary churning of the milk ocean with Vishnu riding Garuda whilst fighting against an Ashura demon.
Thommanon is located slightly north of the small road that runs from the Royal Palace in Angkor Thom. Thommanon stands outside the city walls of Angkor Thom, close to the west bank of the Siem Reap River.

Top Tips for Thommanon

It is a good idea to carry a torch here. Many of the superb carvings inside cannot be seen in the darkness and there are some nice things to see.
Just across the road from Thommanon stands Chau Say Tevoda and both sites can easily be visited at the same time.
Temperatures are of course cooler in the mornings, but the lighting does improve in the afternoons.

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