Banteay Samre Shiva Temple, Cambodia

Address

Banteay Samre Shiva Temple, Sok San Road, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

Banteay Samre is a shiva temple at Angkor, Cambodia, located 400 metres to the east of the East Baray. Built during the reign of Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II in the early 12th century, it is a Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat style. The design of its single ogival tower is immediately recognizable as Angkor Wat style along with other temples in the region such as Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda. Due to this temple’s similarity to some monuments of north-east Thailand, it has the appearance of a compact Phimai. While there are no inscriptions describing its foundation, it seems likely to have been built by a high official of the court during the reign of King Suryavarman II.

Puranic Significance

It has a single tower over the shrine and this is connected by an antarala to a mandapa. All of this is flanked by two libraries, and two concentric gallery enclosures surround the ensemble. Banteay Samre is approached by a 200 metre long raised causeway from the east. The temple is completely ruins state. This suggests that the temple enclosed a reasonable sized town.

Century/Period/Age

12th century A.D.

Managed By

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Nearest Bus Station

Krong Siem Reap

Nearest Railway Station

siem reap

Nearest Airport

siem reap

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