Buddhist Monk at the Temples of Kleangs and Prasat Suor Prat, Cambodia (photo)

Buddhist Monk at the Temples of Kleangs & Prasat Suor Prat. Angkor Thom. Rectangular sandstone building set opposite the Terrace of Elephants, behind the Prasat Suor Prat. 'Kleang' means 'storeroom', but it is unlikely that this was its actual function. A royal oath of allegiance carved into the doorway indicates that they may have served as reception areas or even housing for visiting noblemen and ambassadors. The North Kleang was built in wood under Rajendravarman II and then rebuilt in stone by Jayavarman V, probably before the construction of the South Kleang. It also contains the best preserved carvings. The South Kleang was never completed. The Kleangs are unremarkable upon close inspection but picturesque from a distance, standing among the Prasat Suor Prat. Photographed in 2013