Jayavarman VII 'Resthouse Temples'

Recent researches on the 'dharmasala' buildings give us a better understanding of their social and religious functions.

On the main Angkorean roads (to Phimai -- northwestbound --, to Kompong Svay -- eastbound -- and to Laos-- northeastbound --), it has now been agreed that "fire shrines" or 'resthouse temples' were established and spaced along the way at regular interval, precisely 14.8 or 16.1 km depending on the orientation of the fareways.

After discussing previous interpretations, the author summarizes the latest findings by writing that "discovery of occupation, water storage and production centres demonstrates that fire shrines are not isolated temples ignored by travellers and pilgrims on their travels to and from Angkor. The fire shrines represent the most visible feature of a greater complex within the Angkorian landscape (...) Further work will no doubt shed more light on the important religious, political, economic and social roles that these buildings played in Angkorian society."