Prasat Damrei, Cambodia

Address

Prasat Damrei, Koh Ker, Preah Vihear, Cambodia

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

Prasat Damrei, is a remote archaeological site in northern Cambodia about 120 kilometers (75 mi) away from Siem Reap and the ancient site of Angkor. Prasat Damrei means ‘Elephant temple’ and despite being quite dilapidated, this 10th Century temple is for the guardian elephants on each corner of the platform. Along the Loop there are several Linga temples (a Lingam is a phallic symbol representative of God Shiva). A small path leads from the ring-road to the Prasat Damrei (damrei = elephant).

Puranic Significance

Prasat Damrei is named for the elephants that guard the four corners of the sanctuary (‘damri’ is Khmer for ‘elephant’). The temple was built in honor of Shiva, who was worshipped here as a linga mounted in the central sanctuary. Also on site are the remains of two small libraries and a solitary tower which may have belonged to nearby temple. This sanctuary has an enclosure and stands on a high platform. On each of its four sides is a staircase with about ten steps. Eight stone lions once flanked the stairs but only one remains in its original place. A beautiful elephant sculpture once stood at each of the four corners of the platform but only two remain. A Sanskrit inscription found at the temple offers evidence that an erstwhile lingam was once erected on the top of the pyramid (Prang).