Pretty in Pink
The tenth century temple of Banteay Srey is renowned for its intricate decorations carved in pinkish sandstone.
Walkway
The special charm of this temple lies in its remarkable state of preservation, small size and excellence of decoration.
Restoration
It was an unanimous opinion amongst the French archaeologists who worked at Angkor that the temple at Banteay Srey is a 'precious gem' and a ''jewel in Khmer art'.
Age of Innocence
Built at a time when the Khmer Empire was gaining significant power and territory, the temple was constructed by a Brahmin of royal descent who was spiritual teacher to Jayavarman V.
Indian Intricacy
The architecture and decoration here is closer to that of Indian models than any other temple at Angkor. One special feature of the exquisite decoration was the use of a hard pink sandstone (quartz arenite) which enabled the technique of sandalwood carving on stone.
Perfectly Preserved
The architectural and decorative features of Banteay Srey are unique and exceptionally fine. A tapestry-like background of foliage covers the walls of the structures in the central group as if a deliberate attempt had been made to leave no space undecorated.
Small Wonder
Compared to the rest of Angkor, this temple is in miniature. The doors of the central towers are narrow and barely one and a half metres in height. The quality of architecture and decoration more than make up for any shortcoming in size.
Bold & Beautiful
The central area of the temple is the most beautifully decorated. Three shrines arranged side by side in a north to south line standing on a common low platform and opening to the east. All three shrines are guarded by sculptures of mythical figures with human torsos and animal heads kneeling at the base of the stairs leading to the entrances.
A Special Place
The principal shrine in the centre contained the linga of Shiva, the shrine on the south was also dedicated to Shiva, whereas the shrine on the north honours Vishnu.
Detailed to Every Inch
Panels are decorated with scenes inspired by Indian epics, especially the Ramayana.
Rest
Banteay Srey is the first temple at Angkor to have been completely restored by the process of anastylosis. This was a method of reconstructing monuments with the original materials used and in keeping with the original form of the structure.
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