Prasat Prei
"The forest sanctuary"
Date |
late 12th - early 13th century |
King |
Jayavarman VII
(posthumous name: Maha paramasangata pada) |
Cult |
Buddhist |
Clearing |
H. Mauger in 1934 |
After the 9th kilometre marker stone and just beyond
the route Fombertaux leading to the eastern entrance of Prah Khan, one takes
a forest track to the right. At about 100 metres on the left, perched on a hillock,
stands Prasat Prei.
Enclosed by a single laterite wall - most of which has collapsed -
this temple consists of the remains of a gopura in laterite and sandstone and then a
sandstone sanctuary opening to the east, forming a tower with four upper tiers preceded by
a vestibule that has been restored. The sanctuary chamber, with three false doors -
moulded on the exterior - is cruciform in plan and 2m.90 in width.
The decoration is linked with no peculiarity to the style of the
Bayon (dense ornamentation, devatas, false windows with lowered blinds) while the frontons
have been defaced.
In the courtyard - where on the southern side a badly ruined laterite and sandstone
"library" has a moulded false door to the east - an interesting
chariot being pulled by oxen was found, set on a base. It has been removed
to the Bayon sculptures storeroom.
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