Prasat Preah Pithu Group — Attraction in Siem Reap

Preah Pithu is a group of five temples (T, U, V, Y and X) at Angkor, Cambodia. In fact they were in all probability not designed as a group. Despite their ruined state, the remains have good decorative carving.

The temple "T" has a sandstone enclosure, which measures 45 by 40 meters, and has two gopuras on the main W-E axis. The sanctuary, on a 3-levels ornated platform 6 meters high, has a chamber which sheltered a large linga on its pedestal. The fragments of the lintel of western door, on the ground, show a stylized depiction of the "Churning of the Sea of Milk", while the walls are decorated with devatas and floral motifs, Bayon style.

The temple "U" is similar to "T", but smaller and simpler. Its enclosure is 35 by 28 meters. It has no gopura. The lintel of west door shows the Trimurti, with Shiva dancing on a kala-head between Vishnu and Brahma. On the northern lintel there is another depiction of the "Churning of the Sea of Milk".

When I visited this temple, the work of protection and repair of the ruins was in progress. But fortunately, all the wonderful lintel reliefs are placed at the northeast corner in an orderly manner, so that the visitors can be appreciated and photographed at close range.

Outside the residual moat, north of temple "U", there is temple "V". It is oriented to the East, where it opens with a double vestibule, and has no enclosure. On the West it has a causeway which ends with a 40 meter long cruciform terrace, leading into NE corner of the Royal Square. Its sanctuary chamber, standing on two-tier sculpted basement, is the largest of the group, having a square side of 3.80 m, and hosting a large 1.5 m linga.

Temple "Y" has no basement or stairways and stands on an earthen platform, north of "V". The larger chamber has mostly collapsed, but on its western side there are two remarkable half-pediments, which depict the defeat of the asura Bana by Krishna to the north and the three giant steps of Vamana to the south.

Temple "X" stands on a large terrace, 4 meters high, about 100 meters east of temple "U". It is straight reachable from there if the moat is dry. It is similar in design to the former temples but is larger and incomplete in its decorations. "X" is a buddhist temple: on the walls of the sanctuary chamber there is a double row of sculpted Buddhas.

Only temple "X" is a Buddhist temple, it remained unfinished and is probably the latest. The rest (T, U, V, Y) are ancient Hindu temples. These temples are worth visiting anytime of the day from...

A Peaceful and Enigmatic Escape

Preah Pittu Temple is a hidden gem, and my favorite discovery away from the main Angkor crowds. It's a group of five unrestored, moss-covered temples nestled in a quiet forest between the Terrace of the Leper King and the North Gate.

There are no queues, no vendors, and very few other tourists. You can truly explore at your own pace, clamber over ancient stones, and feel like an explorer discovering something forgotten. The intricate carvings on the lintels are still remarkably clear.

If you want a break from the busyness of Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm, come here for 30 minutes of pure, tranquil magic. Highly recommended for adventurers and...

This is a Sivan temple complex. The real name is "Periya Pittar", which is another name for "Sivan". In "Thevaram" there is a line which reads as "Pitta Pirai Soodi Perumanae Arulala" the song by one of his disciple Thirunyanasambanthar at the age of 3. The entire compound is very big and has few temple in its complex. The main entrance is at the eastern end and is guarded by two gigantic elephant statues. The place is very nice and quiet and shady. It is niece to walk around during a sunny day as you won't feel the intense of heat of the sun with the...