A week in Cambodia -11/18/2023-11/24/2023

Siam Reap-11/22/2023

Day 5- Preah Khan Temple continuation

Apsara Queens statues which had been defaced by the Khmer Empire when they turned to Hinduism under Jayavarman VIII.

Inner court in the northwest courtyard.

Row of hermits at the facade in the courtyard.

Closer view of the hermits carvings

The Avalokiteshvara statue once stood in the center of the shrine but it’s lost now and so in the 16th century a stupa was replaced.

The interior of the central sanctuary as well as the walls of the inner enclosure gallery are covered with holes, which once served for fixing bronze plates. 1.500 tons of bronze are claimed to have been used for Preah Khan’s decoration.

Headless statue of Buddha inside the central sanctuary.

Carvings on the wall.

Entering the main temple

View of the exterior from the main temple.

Cut silk cotton tree growing over the ruins.

Here you can see how the tree is growing in between one of the wall.

The inner court.

Lintel carving depicting dancing Apsaras.

The hall of dancers in the 3rd enclosure.

The Hall of Dancers is named after the reliefs depicting dancing Apsaras. Indeed, this has probably been the original function of the building, it served for celebrations with music and dance that were held in front of the main sanctuary, as it is still practiced in modern Indian temples, where access to the main shrine is only permitted to priests, whereas ceremonies of lay persons are held in front of the sanctum.

This is one of the most unique and mysterious structures inside the temple. This two-story structure is the only one of its kind in Khmer architecture. It’s also the only Khmer monument on cylindrical columns.

The function of this eye-catching edifice is unknown. Many believe it once housed the "Sacred Sword", the palladium that is meant by the term "Preah Khan".

Panoramic view of the area.

The 32 massive columns measure 11.5 ft. in height. The round columns, though closely spaced and consisting of thick drums by comparison, nevertheless slightly resemble classical porticos of Greek temples.

Large yard next to the Hall of Dancers.

Naga carvings on the railings.

Carvings.

Northern City gate

Going up the upper terrace.

View from the upper terrace.

Park surrounding the temple.

Carving of a guardian at one of the entrance door.

Northern satellite temple

The northern satellite temple consisting of towers, gates, galleries and courtyards, was dedicated to Shiva.

Lintel carving depicting the creation myth with Vishnu reclining on a fabulous beast.

The myth is known from classical religious Sanskrit texts called Puranas, and is one of the most famous scenes from the iconography of Vishnu is his subordinate deity Brahma being born in a lotus emerging from the navel of the supreme god, who is reclining on a serpent.

Brahma after his birth will create nine Rishis (sages) and with them all the formed beings of the universe. The new world just begins to evolve when Vishnu gently awakes from his yogic sleep known as ‚Yoganidra‘ in Sanskrit. This very calm and relaxed way of creation – quite the opposite of a dynamic demonstration of power by a mighty god – is also emphasized by the presence of Vishnu’s consort Lakshmi massaging his feet which lie in her lap. (In some versions, his legs are caressed by two consorts, viz. Lakshmi and Bhumidevi.)

We are done with our visit and we are headed back.

South and exit Gopuda.

Lunch

Our tour guide took us to nice restaurant for lunch.  A table was reserved for our group.

I ordered the famous fish amok served inside a coconut.

Hoa and I we also shared a fresh and large coconut just. 

Hoa ordered a place of rice with sautéed carrots, green beans, and pork. 

Actually both of our lunch were pretty good.

Next...Banteay Srei Temple