Beng Mealea
| Beng Mealea | |
|---|---|
| Khmer name | បឹងមាលា |
| Also known as | Boeng Mealea |
| Site type | Temple |
| Location | Siem Reap province |
| Country | Cambodia |
| Period | Angkor Wat period |
| Subjects | Religion & Spiritual Life |
Beng Mealea is a temple in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. (Wikipedia)
History
Beng Mealea was built during the reign of King Suryavarman II, as assumed from its architectural style, which is identical to Angkor Wat. Between 2024 and 2025, the APSARA National Authority excavated and restored its eastern causeway, and salvage excavation of the western causeway was carried out in March 2025. (Wikipedia)
Significance
Beng Mealea was built as a Hindu temple, with carvings depicting Hindu mythology including the Churning of the Sea of Milk and Vishnu borne by Garuda. Some carvings depict Buddhist motifs, and the temple ranks among the larger temples of the Khmer empire. (Wikipedia)
Stewardship
The APSARA National Authority excavated and restored the eastern causeway, carried out salvage excavation of the western causeway, and announced a second phase of work covering the wider temple complex. (Wikipedia)
Visiting
A road to the temple complex of Koh Ker passes Beng Mealea, making the site more accessible and bringing more visitors. The wooden walkway used by visitors to cross the collapsed centre of the temple is 250 m long; the first 189 m was repaired from October 2025 and reopened in early April 2026, widened from 1.30 m to 1.70 m. The restored eastern causeway was inaugurated on 31 July 2025. (Wikipedia)