Wat Phu toward the Mekong

Taken from the top terrace of Wat Phu, adjacent to the current Buddhist temple. The central causeway leads off into the distance toward where the now-gone city of Shrestapura stood near the Mekong River in about the 5th century. An earlier temple was built here dedicated to Shiva because of the spring (considered sacred) coming from the cliffs behind and the natural lingam-shaped outcrop (obscured by clouds) on the summit. That earlier temple was replaced with the current structures in about the 10th century when the Khmer empire took over the area.

In the PiPs (also below):
(1) I was pleased to find the spring which was part of the original inspiration for all the developments, still coming from the hillside.
(2) A Khmer motif on the cliff face near the spring.
(3) I won't claim to be expert on Hindu sculpture and symbolism, but I think this is a Lingam signifying the god Shiva, while (4) this large carved and abandoned rock appears to be a Yoni signifying the goddess Shakti.