Koh ker Temple was constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman IV, dedicated to Shiva in the Hindu tradition. Originally named Chok Gargyar or the Gargyar highland plain of the ancient capital Lingapura, it is now known as the former capital of Koh Ker. The site covers an area of 16x16 kilometers and comprises 98 temples.

The main temple stands seven tiers high, reaching a height of 35 meters. Built in ancient times, it served as a place of worship following Hindu beliefs. Koh Ker is the modern name for an important city of the Khmer Empire. In inscriptions, this city is described as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar.

Koh Ker, or Chok Gargyar, is an ancient capital with a history spanning over 1,000 years. Chok Gargyar is an ancient Khmer term that, in modern parlance, translates to "Beng Gargyar" or "Srah Gargyar," meaning "Gargyar Lake" or "Gargyar Pond." This term eventually evolved into "Koh Ker."

The Koh Ker archaeological site was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List on September 17, 2023, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This recognition highlights the site's outstanding universal value and its importance to world heritage.

Koh Ker's inclusion on the World Heritage List is a significant achievement for Cambodia, acknowledging the site's historical and cultural importance. The complex layout of the ancient city, with its numerous temples and structures, provides valuable insights into Khmer architecture and urban planning during the Angkorian period.

The main temple's impressive seven-tiered structure demonstrates the advanced engineering and architectural skills of the ancient Khmer civilization. Its dedication to Shiva reflects the strong influence of Hinduism in the region during that era.

The site's vast area and the number of temples within it suggest that Koh Ker was once a thriving urban center, possibly serving as a temporary capital of the Khmer Empire. The transition from its ancient name, Chok Gargyar, to the modern Koh Ker illustrates the evolution of the Khmer language and the enduring cultural significance of the site.

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Koh Ker now benefits from increased protection and conservation efforts. This status also promotes greater awareness of Cambodian history and culture on a global scale, potentially boosting tourism and supporting local communities.

The recognition of Koh Ker underscores the rich archaeological heritage of Cambodia and contributes to a broader understanding of Southeast Asian history and the remarkable achievements of the Khmer Empire.