Preah Khan Temple
Preah Khan Temple
Date: Built in late twelfth century
Religion: Buddhism
King: Jayavarman VII (1181-1221)
Posthumous name: Mahasangatapada
Preah Khan was dedicated to the king’s father in a concept of a mixed belief of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Animism. The original name of this temple wasNagara Jayagri which means ‘The kingdom that was protected by a magic sword’. the stone inscription of this temple found in 1939 interestingly describes about a magic sword which was a prosperous treasure of the kingdom, and it was made of 21 different kinds of metal. According to inscriptions, there were dwellings of royal family, dignitaries, Brahmins, monks, artisans, students, and dancers inside this temple complex. This 
temple has about 40 doors to walk through from the west entrance to the east entrance which is like reflection in a mirror. The eastern part of this temple is still overgrown by big trees offering opportunity for taking photos.
temple has about 40 doors to walk through from the west entrance to the east entrance which is like reflection in a mirror. The eastern part of this temple is still overgrown by big trees offering opportunity for taking photos.
About causeway:
There’re two rows of stone columns leading to the entrance. Each column was decorated with four figures of Kalaha, which are mythical flying lions, in an action of supporting Buddha figures on top. However, those Buddha figures were chopped off 
in the 13th century by Hindu followers. There’s also a carving of a lotus flower on the top of every column.
in the 13th century by Hindu followers. There’s also a carving of a lotus flower on the top of every column.
West entrance:
In the front of each entrance of this temple, there is a line of 23 demon statues on the right and a line of 23 god statues on the left. They’re pulling Naga body in an action of tug of war, copied from a Hindu legend;the churning of sea of milk.There’s also a moatsurrounding this temple.
Garuda statues:
Preah Khan has its outer wall measuring 800m by 720m. All along this wall, there’re 72 statues of Garuda standing Naga, which were carved together as powerful guardians. They are the most interesting sculptures of Preah Khan temple. There were originally a lot of small Buddha figures on the top of the wall, but they were chopped off.
West pediment:
The west pediment has some carvings about Ramayana which is a very 
famous Hindu mythology. It is a short scene where Rama, Vishnu’s incarnation, was leading monkey troop to fight against demon troop to liberate his wife, Sita who had been abducted by a demon king. on the right of the bottom site, there’s a figure of Ravana, a demon king who had 10 faces and 20 arms while on the left of the bottom site, there’s a figure of Rama ridding on a chariot and carrying a crossbow.
famous Hindu mythology. It is a short scene where Rama, Vishnu’s incarnation, was leading monkey troop to fight against demon troop to liberate his wife, Sita who had been abducted by a demon king. on the right of the bottom site, there’s a figure of Ravana, a demon king who had 10 faces and 20 arms while on the left of the bottom site, there’s a figure of Rama ridding on a chariot and carrying a crossbow.
The central tower:
if we look at every direction From the central tower, we could see door to door which were very
symmetrically built. The central tower of Preah Khan has many holes on it structure. These holes were probably filled up with copper plates and crystals to create beautiful light within this holy shrine. there was a bronze statue of Daranindravarman II who was the king’s father right here. the statue faced to the east in a form of Buddha, Avalokesvara. it was stolen in the in the war. This is a sandstone tomb built in the 16thcentury to keep the relic of a head monk.There’refour Echo Chambers surrounding this central tower.
symmetrically built. The central tower of Preah Khan has many holes on it structure. These holes were probably filled up with copper plates and crystals to create beautiful light within this holy shrine. there was a bronze statue of Daranindravarman II who was the king’s father right here. the statue faced to the east in a form of Buddha, Avalokesvara. it was stolen in the in the war. This is a sandstone tomb built in the 16thcentury to keep the relic of a head monk.There’refour Echo Chambers surrounding this central tower.
Strange Architecture:
There’s a two storey building with round columns it looks similar to the Roman and Greek architecture. it was used to keep the Sacred Sword.
Laterite building:
There’s a volcanic stone building in the front of it. This building was used to hold swearing ceremony. The royal families, ministers, officers, generals, must go up there to pledge allegiance to the king in the front of the Sacred Sword. Two times a year, during full moon and new moon times, the sacred sword was taken up there to upgrade its sacred power with holy water to make the kingdom prosperity.
Pond:
There is a pond to the north of this building store water for the
ceremony in this temple.
ceremony in this temple.
Dancing Hall:
The Dancing Hall of Preah Khan still many beautiful carving of dancers on its columns and lintel. Its stone roof has gone.
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