Gopura II provides grand access to two succeeding courts and the main sanctuary. Galleries and blind walls form eastern and western outer enclosures, while rows of 10 monolithic pillars still standing on both sides provide evidence of a former roof. In the outer court stand two “libraries” in rectangular shape, measuring 6.5 meters by 11 meters. In the southern central entrance are still found inscriptions dating from the reign of King Suryavarman I, informing us that he chose the temple of Preah Vihear as one of the three places to install a Linga bearing his name as Suryameshara (Lord of Suryavarman I). The inscription also mentioned a rebellion by an outlaw group known as Bas Khmau who challenged King Suryavarman I’s authority. In the year 1038 A.D. the King declared that Shiva as Bhadresvara has come to the Preah Vihear and encouraged the people to pledge allegiance to Shiva, via the protector of his earthly representative, King Suryavarman I, who succeeded in crushing the rebellion.
