Phnom Bakeng is the first temple built on the site of Angkor proper about 900. This name probably means "hill (phnom) of Shiva", because Ba is a shortcut usual Preah ("sacred") and Khaeng means "manly" ", an attribute adapted to Shiva who is symbolized by his lingam. Its ancient name was Phnom Kandal ("Central Hill").

Central Temple of Phnom Bakheng.

Yaśovarman I abandoned Rolûos to set up his new capital (Yaśodharapura) near the hill (phnom) on which Phnom Bakheng was raised to simultaneously honor Śiva and the god-king. Phnom Bakheng is the prototype of Khmer mountain temples and has the shape of a five-storey pyramid punctuated with 109 towers of which 5 are of imposing size which represent Mount Meru, place of residence of Indra, the king of the gods, and the four surrounding peaks. The temple was then the center of a town bounded by a square embankment and 4 km side.

The construction of the temple probably began at the end of the ninth century (after the advent of Yaśovarman I in 889). The hill was leveled and an outer moat at the foot of the hill was dug. Four gopuras allowed to enter the site and four monumental staircases left to climb the hill. The stairs are arranged in the usual way of Hindu temples, following the orientation of the cardinal points. The deities of the temple were consecrated in 907 and the name of Yaśodhareśvara ("the Lord of the One who bears the glory") was given to him; the temple lost its status as a state temple in 928 and was re-used for a brief period in 968.

Only kings and high priests had the right to pray at the summit of Phnom Bakheng.

Near this temple was established the eastern bārāy (Yaśodharatatāka) to control the irrigation needed to supply the city.

Only the stands remain today, with some remains of the sanctuary that crowned them. The Phnom Bakeng welcomes many tourists to the sunset, because there is then a beautiful view of the west facade of Angkor Wat sun-drenched.

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