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Banteay Srei - The Treasure of Angkor |  |
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"This temple of particular charm is remarkable for its state of preservation and the excellence of a near perfect ornamental technique." (Glaize) |
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| Banteay Srei, originally: 'Isvarapura' ('City of Shiva' ), was erected by dignitaries, as a private temple and consecrated 968. (One of them also founded Trapeang Khyangg.) The central and south towers are dedicated to Shiva, the north tower to Vishnu. Located far away from other monuments, it was forgotten and overgrown. It was re-discovered only in 1914, and restored 1924 to 1936. Reliefs cover the lintels, the pediments and the walls. In the pediments we find stories from mythology. In niches on the towers are charming gods and goddesses as guardians, wearing lotus flowers or spears. Visitors enter the temple at the outer East Gopura IV. An avenue, flanked by halls runs to East Gopura III. Here you enter the enclosure III, framed by a laterite wall. You cross a moat.The inner temple is framed by two enclosure walls. You enter at East Gopura II; in front of East Gopura I is a fragmentary Nandi. The inner enclosure is cordoned. You go around and look at two fire shrines and three towers; in front of the central tower is a mandapa. From east to west, or from outside to inside, the scale is gradually reduced, the inner enclosure the buildings are almost miniaturized. Some reliefs
Fire in the Khandava Forest (8) The relief: Indra is sending a thunderstorm; Airavan, his mount, is standing on wavy lines, the rainwater. The parallel lines depict a coat of arrows, brandished by Krishna and Lakshmana, below left and right. The inhabitants of the forest are excited and want to escape. Birds and a three-headed naga are flying under the coat of arrows. The myth: Agni, the god of fire, wants to “eat” the forest and to kill the naga, his enemy. Indra, the friend of the naga, tries to stop the fire by a thunderstorm. Agni asks Krishna and Lakshmana for help. They stop the downpour with their arrows. Visit It's a long way to Banteay Srei. Better you visit Banteay Srei in the afternoon. The temple closes at 5 pm. My favourite route, in the afternoon: Prasat Kravan, Banteay Srei, East Mebon. Or you make an easy whole day trip: Banteay Samré & Kbal Spean in the morning, and Banteay Srei in the afternoon |
 Fire in the Khandava Forest (8.)  References:
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