Tuesday, July 9, 2024

East Mebon Temple

East Mebon Temple is about 500m northeast of Pre Rup Temple. The temple was built in AD 952 by King Rajendravarman. The temple is similar to Pre Rup Temple in plan, construction and decoration. However, a major difference is that the East Mebon once stood on a small island in the middle of Yasodharatataka (the East Baray). The only access was by boat to one of the four landing platforms, situated at the mid-point on each of the four sides of the temple. The decoration on the lintels of the temple is superior in quality of workmanship and composition to that of Pre Rup. The motifs on the false doors, with small mythical figures frolicking amongst foliage, are particularly fine. 


Monday, July 8, 2024

Kravan Temple

Kravan Temple is located east of Angkor Wat and south of Banteay Kdei. The temple was built in 921 during the reign of King Harshavarman I (AD 910 -923), and dedicated to Vishnu Brahmanism. It may have been constructed by court officials. Although this temple looks small and somewhat undistinguished from the outside, it contains some remarkable brick sculptures on its interior walls which stand alone as unique examples of Khmer art. The interiors of two of the five towers have sculptures depicting Vishnu and his consort, Lakshmi; the scene in the central tower is the most impressive, but both are exceptional in stature and quality of workmanship. The five brick towers are in a row on one platform decorated with carved, sandstone, lintels, and columns. All of the towers open to the east. 




Friday, July 5, 2024

Prei Temple

Prei Temple is located on the right of the road, about 40m from the northwest corner of Preah Khan Temple. The temple, made of sandstone, faces east. It was built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII. 


 

Lolei Temple

Lolei Temple is located north of the main road, in the center of Baray, near a modern Buddhist temple. It was built in 893 by King Yasovarma...