We explored, Banteay Srei, the smallest major temple in Cambodia’s Angkor region. We found that what it lacked in size, it made up in its outstanding artisanship. Its statues, bas relief, pediments and lintels are considered the finest in all Angkor temples. Built in 10th century (two centuries earlier than Angkor Wat), Banteay Srei’s beauty and remarkable state of preservation make it one of the highlights of anyone visiting the Angkor temples.
Banteay Srei, which means “Citadel of Women,” is a relatively new name for the temple. It is speculated that women built the temple as its intricate designs and adornments are too fine to be carved by hands of men.
Banteay Srei is the only Khmer temple not built by a king. It was built by a Brahmin, who was the spiritual advisor of a Khmer king, in honor of Hindu god Shiva.
Banteay Srei is also the only Angkor temple built out of rose-colored sandstone, which aside from being more beautiful is also more lasting than the gray stones used in most temples.
Banteay Srei was rediscovered by French in 1914 but was not restored until the 1930’s. It is the first Angkor temple restored using the method of anastylosis – the process of removing and repositioning each block one by one.
Finely carved on the pediments of temple are scenes from famous Hindu mythologies such as Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The Inner sanctuary is guarded by statues of human like animals. Most of the statues are reproductions as some originals were stolen and some were placed in museums.
One thousand year old Inscriptions are still clearly etched on a door jam.
Exquisitely carved feligrees and sculptures of devatas filled the columns of the temples.
A young boy hanging out in the temple.
The scale of the temple is miniature by Angkor standard.
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Travel Notes:
- The best time to visit the Banteay Srei is early in the morning to avoid the heat (there’s no shade int he temple), to dodge the tour bus crowds and for better lighting for photography. The temple closes at 5:00 pm.
- Banteay Srei is about 37 kms from Siem Reap and can be reached in about 45 minutes by tuk-tuk. Since it is a bit further than other Angkor temples, drivers charge extra over their regular day rate.
- An Angkor Pass is required for entry to Banteay Srei. For more info about Angkor Pass, please go here.
- Suggested reading: Ancient Angkor by Michael Freeman and Claude Jacques.
- Suggested accommodation: We stayed at Shinta Mani, a beautiful and contemporary boutique hotel and we highly recommend. We call it a hotel with a heart as it donates part of your nightly rate to help local communities. It has a non-profit component that trains locals in hospitality business as well as contributes in health programs.
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Ach, that post brought back great memories, thanks guys! I remember exploring it last year. You’re so right – the best time to visit the Banteay Srei is early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowd
Agness recently posted..Postcards from Guilin – Guangxi Province, China
Hey Agness, our pleasure. I bet you miss Siem Reap! We do, too. We miss not only the place but the wonderful people as well.
The color of the temple is beautiful and the carvings looks very elaborate and intricate. It is amazing that it is 1,000 years old and every carve and etching is still very distinct. Lovely photos.
Hi Kara, thanks. It truly is fascinating how well preserved the details of the temple are. I guess it’s mostly due to the rose colored stone used in construction. It is supposed to be harder than most stones used in construction of other temples.
What a charming temple. I love the beautiful bas relief. Truly a very fine craftmanship. Interesting to note that it is speculated that it can only be carved women. I can see that there’s a feminine touch to it. I like the different Angkor temples you have featured so far, they are vey distinct from one another.
Hey Kirs, you’re right there’s a feminine touch to it. Nice of you to notice the distinctions among the temples we have posted so far. Its basically the reason why we chose those as our highlights because they’re unique from the rest and they don’t feel repetitive.
Ahh, it may be smaller, but it looks equally as interesting. Wow, 1,000 year old inscriptions on the walls! Living in Australia, that seems so very very ancient
Johanna at ZigaZag recently posted..What’s the price of a cup of coffee in your neck of the woods?
Hi Jo, its definitely small but beautiful. Isn’t it amazing how old it is? Most places in Australia must be a baby compared to this site.:)
It is very beautiful indeed! Though small but finest!
Hi Kusum, thanks. Glad you agree.
Wow, beautiful post, and stunning photography….:)
Hi Meghana, thanks. Glad you enjoyed the photo and the post.
Those are beautiful photos. Amazing pieces of architecture.
Hi Gracie, thanks. It truly is a very fine piece of architecture.
incredible carvings! Cambodia is in my bucket list–hopefully, i’d be able to go next year. outstanding photos!
Luna Miranda recently posted..Flores de Mayo: a Marian exhibit/Our World-Tuesday
Hi Luna, thanks. Hope you get to go next year as you wish. I’m sure you’ll have a great tim.e
The carving are amazing and the temple is beautiful. Thanks for sharing your world. Beautiful photos. Have a happy day!
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Our pleasure, Eileen.
I love all the intricate detail, so beautiful! Also good tip to visit early in the morning…I remember this region of the world can get EXCEPTIONALLY hot during the day in the summer;-)
Jess @UsedYorkCity recently posted..UYC’s Walks: SoHo
Hi Jess, glad you like the temple; it really is beautiful. Yes, it can be exceptionally hot even in December, imagine being there in the summer?
Love the little boy resting in the temple. Very intricate carvings and such beautiful temples.
HI Arija, isn’t he adorable? Glad you enjooyed the temple.
So much detail! These are lovely shots. Thanks for sharing.
Our pleasure. Gald you enjoyed it.
Thank you so much for taking us on this tour. Your photos are wonderful. I find the age and resilience of these temples amazing. It must be awe-inspring to stand there.
Have a wonderful week and thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Hi Jill, it truly is amazing to witness this site.
You’re welcome. I always enjoy visiting your blog.
Beautiful architecture!
Lea’s Menagerie
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Thanks Lea.
Great shots of history!
Thanks Debra.
Stunning place!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
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It is indeed! Thanks for dropping by Gary and Boom.
Those human-like animals are pretty creepy! It would definitely keep me away!
Arianwen recently posted..Things I hadn’t realised about Rio’s Sambadrome parade
Ariawen, they are cordoned off so you’re safe from them!
What a historical location, and beautiful structures. So much detail. It’s amazing they still stand after 1,000 years.
Salika Jay recently posted..Giveway: TV and Movie Location Tour Tickets
HI Salika, it is really amazing thinking how old they are and they’re in such great shape. I hope I’ll age like that! Ha! Ha!
Actually yor8Ùue really following one of several cognitive channels of your brain. The heart is only a metaphor for embracing intuition versus analysis, but in essence your brain is really the center of your emotional and rational impulses. But your decision is still coming from observation and experience, such you went into theater audition.
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