Pre Rup Temple

Pre Rup Temple

Pre Rup Temple

Date:                               Built in mid tenth century (961)

Religion:                         Hinduism

King:                                Rajendravarman II (944-968)

Posthumous name:    Sivaloka

King Rajendravarman, who engineered the return of the capital from Koh Ker to Angkor (Yashodhara), founded Pre Rup in 961 AD immediately after he had just finished the construction of East Mebon temple. Constructed in brick and laterite, Both Pre Rup and the Mebon are situated on the same north-south axis.

Its central sanctuary, at the summit of a three-tiered pyramid, enshrined the linga named 'Rajendrabhadreshvara' that through its name was directly associated with the king who venerated the god Shiva. The superb view of rice fields, Angkor Wat tower, Sras Srang, Phnom Kulen and Phnom Bok Mountain, and East Mebon temple could be seen from the forth level.

The stele of Pre Rup is known as the longest Sanskrit inscription in ancient Cambodia which is today stored at the Angkor Conservation. This inscription tells us clearly about Kanidra-Rimathanwho was a designer of this temple. This is the first inscription in Angkor time which tells the name of designer.

First Wall:There’re two laterite enclosing walls. The first wall measures 127m by 117m and it has an entrance structure each side. Its roof which was made of Tiber has gone. In the front of the temple, there’re fivemagnificent brick towers. The carvings of their lintels were unfinished.

 

The second wall:

The second enclosing was built of sandstone wall which still remains. It measures 87m by 77m and it also comprises entrance structure each side. The roof of its entrance structure which was built of timber has also gone.

The central foundation:

The central foundation of Pre Rup temple measures50m by 50m designed as a pyramid with four levels. It is solid, and it’s built of laterite.

Top level:

The top level measures 35m by 35m designed withfive brick towers standing as a quincunx style.

Long Hall:

There’re long halls built of laterite all along the wall. they were used to pray by pilgrims.

Square box:

There is a rectangular box which was made of sandstone which is almost 2m long. It was a pedestal of Nandin statue which was Shiva’s bull.

Angi Shrines:

There’re two Angi shrines built of brick. They were also used as a crematorium of the royalty. There’re some holes on the wall for smoke to goaway.

Small building:

There is a unusual small square building with dome roof built with laterite on the northeast of the temple.