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Banteay Srey Temple

Date: The second half of the 10th century (967) 
King: Rajendravrman II and Jayavarman V. 
Religion: Hindu (Siva). 
Art Style: Bateay Srey. 

The miniature temple of Banteay Srey is located 25km north-east of the Bayon as the crow flies, not far from the right bank of the stung (river) Siem Reap, the river that descends from the Phnom Kulen to flow into the Tonle Sap. Situated in the middle of the forest, small in scale and in a region lacking in archaeological remains, one can understand why it escaped general attention for so long-its discovery by lieutenant Mare, an officer in the geographic service, was in fact only made in 1914. It was not cleared until 1924, following the theft and ensuing scandal the previous year of some important stone. These were eventually and restored to their original positions during the course of restoration work. 



It was built in the 10th century, this temple was constructed by a Brahmin counselor under the powerful King Rajendravarman and then later under Jayavarman V. It displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. The walls are densely covered with some of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple. The temple itself is small in size and was carved out of pink sandstone. 

The temple is presented to the east with a cruciform laterite gopura. This is flanked by two small side doors and probably corresponded to an external enclosure (fourth enclosure) formed as a timber palisade. The eastern door, with its sandstone pillars, the fine ornament of its pilasters and the fronton of Indra on a three headed elephant, give a taste of the internal decoration to come-and of the beautiful rose tint of the stone. The location of the beams which carried the tiled roof still remains visible in the masonry.  

Banteay Srei is the best foundation and the first-class temple in the reign of the king Rajeandravaraman II, in the second-half of the 10th century (968-1001), but it was completed later by his son Jayavaraman V. Banteay Srei is represented to the magical teacher (Yagnarana) for meditating. The principal entrance is at the east side with satisfying frontage (Indra is on the head of the elephant). On the way was garnished by but lotuses. The second door way, we can see two chapels that were shown by lively frontage (Nraseng tore the body of Krongbaly). Opposite side of the north chapel is the carving of Siva who was nestling his wife Uma on his lap while he was riding on the bull (Nandin). When he have passed through the second gate way, we see the no roof temple is appearing and make the tourists half of head by its lively charming carving on the top of the gate. At first, we see two libraries that were built between the gate way and the left library decorated by one scene were taken from the mythical story: “one giant shook the mountain Kaylasa while Siva was meditating”. Why did he shake the mountain like that? He wanted to disturb Siva’s meditation.

The west frontage was taken from the mythical story too. Kama, god of love shot to Siva by his arch (It is the same picture of Angkor Wat when Siva was preaching to the hermits).

The right library: The east frontage said about Indra was making the rain, when the cows and the boys have no water.

The west frontage said about Krishna was fighting with his uncle Kamasa in his palace.

The west gate said about Rama intervened while Balin fought with Sugriva.

The central tower was built of three peaks. The middle is for Siva, because we have seen the linga of Siva.

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