Western Entry
The principal entrance to Preah Khan is from the east, but our exploration of this temple starts from the western entrance.
Outer Wall & Gopura
Four concentric enclosure walls subdivide the temple complex. The outer or fourth wall of the temple complex is encircled by a wide moat, and today encloses a large tract of jungle, formerly the place housing the living quarters of the monks, students and attendants of Preah Khan.
Rain
True to the rainy season, a cool refreshing shower broke at the start of our exploration of this temple.
Shelter
But rain or shine, preparedness is the key to enjoying our travel back in time through the ruins of the Angkor temples.
To the Inner Sanctuary
Preah Khan is an extensive Buddhist temple complex of 56 hectares, was built in 1191 as a monastery and centre for learning by Jayavarman VII. It was dedicated to his father Dharanindravarman.
Battleground
Inscriptions indicates that the temple was built on a battle site where Jayavarman VII finally defeated the Chams.
Tai Chi
The imposing Hall of Dancers, a large and airy structure which derives its name from the magnificently carved lintels depicting the dancing apsaras.
Corinthian Pillars?
North to the Hall of Dancers stands this unique two-storey pavilion with large round drum columns, with strange reminiscent of classical western architecture. Legend claims that the pavilion once housed the "Preah Khan" or sacred sword, which proceeded the king in processions.
Jargar
The central complex is Buddhist. The northern and western sectors are dedicated to Hindu sects of Vishnu (west) and Shiva (north), whilst the southern sector is a place of ancestor worship. The eastern sector forms the grand entrance to the central shrine.
Guarding Garuda
On either sides of the gopura, sandstone garudas stand guard, along with the nagas that they hold. The are symbolic protectors of the air and water. 68 of them are placed approximately 35 metres apart around the outer enclosure wall serve as the mythical guardians of Preah Khan.
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