Pre Rup temple — Attraction in Siem Reap

Pre Rup is located at northeast of Srah Srang and 500 meters (1,640 feet) south of the south end of the East Baray. An entrance and exit the monument from the east entrance. To climb to the upper terrace use the east stairway; it is slightly less steep than the others. Tip: Because the temple is built entirely of brick and laterite, the warm tones of these materials are best are seen early in the morning or when the sun is setting.There are two views from the top terrace: the first looking east towards Phnom Bok and the mountain chain of Phnom Kulen; and the second looking west where the towers of Angkor Wat can be distinguished on the far horizon. It was built in second half of the tenth century (961)by the King Rajendraman II dedicated to the god Siva (Hindi), replica to Pre Rup style of art. BACKGROUND The boldness of the architectural design of Pre Rup is superb and give the temple fine balance, scale and proportion. The temple is almost identical in style to the East Mebon, although it was built several yeas later. It is the last real 'temple-mountain ' Pre Rup was called the 'City of the East ' by Philippe Stern, a Frenchman who worked on the site. The Cambodians have always regarded this temple as having funerary associations but reason is unknown. The name Prerup recalls one of the rituals of cremation in which the silhouette of the body of the deceased, outlined with its ashes, is successively represented according to different orientations, Some archaeologists believe that the large vat located at the base of the east stairway to the central area was used at cremations. LAYOUT Pre Rup dominates the vast plain, which the East Baray irrigated. Contracted on an artificial mountain in laterite with brick towers, the plan is square and comprises two enclosures (1 and 2) with four entry towers each and a base with three narrow tiers (3) serving as a pedestal for five towers on the top platform one in each corner and one central. The outer enclosing wall is 127 by 116 meters (417 by 380 feet). Inside the outer laterite-enclosing wall there are two groups of three towers, one on each side of the entrance (5); the towers of each group share a common base. The middle tower in each of the two groups dominates and is more developed than the others. It appears that the first tower on the right was never built or, if it was, its bricks were reused somewhere else. The most complete lintel is on the tower at the far left (south )on the east face showing in his avataras a man-lion. The next enclosure, also made of laterite, has four small entry towers, one on each side (2) Long galleries surround the courtyard on the enterior. The walls of these galleries, which have sandstone porches, are built of laterite. In the courtyard there are vestiges of long rest halls (6) probably used by pilgrims. They have sandstone pillars in the east and laterite walls and windows with balusters in the west. In the northeast corner there is a curious small square building built of large blocks of laterite and open on all four sides. The inscription of the temple was found in gallery near this building. LIBRARIES On the left and right sides of the east entry tower of the second enclosure there are libraries with high towers. They sheltered carved stones with motifs of the nine planets and the seven ascetics. In the center there is a vat between two rows of sandstone pillars. Glaize suggested that this might have been, rather than a sarcophagus, a base for a wooden building or for a statue of Nandi, the sacred bull, the mount of Siva to whom the temple...

Nestled in the heart of Cambodia's historic Angkor complex, Pre Rup Temple stands as a testament to the artistry and spiritual devotion of the Khmer Empire. During our recent family visit, we were profoundly moved by the temple's grandeur and the serene beauty of its surroundings, making it one of the most memorable highlights of our Siem Reap experience.

Architectural Marvel Constructed in the late 10th century under the reign of King Rajendravarman II, Pre Rup Temple was initially dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple's architecture is characterized by its unique blend of red brick, sandstone, and laterite, which creates a striking contrast against the lush green landscape. As we approached the temple, the grandeur of its three-tiered structure became increasingly apparent, with the central sanctuary rising majestically above the outer enclosures.

The intricate bas-reliefs and decorative motifs adorning the temple's walls reflect the exceptional craftsmanship of the era. Each carving tells a story, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and the daily life of the Khmer people. As we explored, we found ourselves enchanted by the artistry that has endured for centuries, inviting contemplation of the rich cultural heritage that Pre Rup represents.

An Unforgettable Sunset Experience One of the most compelling reasons to visit Pre Rup is its breathtaking sunset views. As we ascended the steep steps to the upper terrace, we were greeted by a panoramic vista that revealed the undulating landscape of rice paddies and distant temples. The atmosphere was imbued with a sense of tranquility, amplified by the gentle sounds of nature.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the warm hues of orange and gold illuminated the temple’s red brick façade, creating an ethereal backdrop that felt almost otherworldly. This moment of reflection, surrounded by family and fellow travelers, offered a profound sense of connection to the past—a shared appreciation for the beauty that has endured through centuries.

A Must-Visit for Cultural Enthusiasts While many tourists flock to the more famous Angkor Wat and Bayon temples, Pre Rup offers a respite from the crowds and an opportunity to immerse oneself in Cambodia's rich history. The relatively quiet environment allows for a more intimate exploration, making it easier to absorb the spiritual significance and historical context of this ancient site.

In summary, our visit to Pre Rup Temple was nothing short of enchanting. The combination of architectural splendor, historical depth, and stunning natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Siem Reap. I wholeheartedly recommend Pre Rup for travelers seeking a meaningful experience that captures the essence of Cambodia's...

Don’t miss: The elegant square laterite pavilion topped by a dome-shaped roof. The so-called cistern or urn. An unusual four-armed, four-headed devata on the East site of the southwest tower.

Nestled amidst the enchanting landscape of Angkor, Cambodia, Pre Rup stands as a magnificent testament to ancient Khmer architecture and spirituality. This Hindu temple served as the esteemed state temple during the reign of Khmer king Rajendravarman, and its rich history is as captivating as its striking reddish hues, accentuated by the gentle caresses of morning and evening sunlight.

The name “Pre Rup” carries a modern interpretation, signifying “turn the body.” This nomenclature mirrors the prevalent Cambodian belief that the temple played a pivotal role in funeral rituals. It was here that mourners ritually rotated the ashes of the departed in various directions during the funeral service.

Architecturally, Pre Rup bears a strong resemblance to the earlier East Mebon temple, with a notable distinction being the absence of the stepped pyramid found in Pre Rup. The temple’s structure, crafted from laterite and brick, symbolizes the sacred Mount Meru, a mountain of great significance in Hindu mythology, said to be at the center of the universe.

One of Pre Rup’s most striking features is its trio of imposing towers flanking the Eastern entrance, the primary gateway to the temple. Interestingly, the first tower on the right side of the entrance is conspicuously absent, though its base remains. Historians speculate that this tower was either never constructed or was dismantled, its stones repurposed elsewhere, likely during the reign of the subsequent King, Jayavarman V.

Today, Pre Rup remains a cherished destination for visitors exploring the Angkor Wat Grand Circuit Tour. While it may not always be part of the standard small circuit tour, travelers with a penchant for history and architectural wonders can occasionally arrange a detour with their...