Banteay Kdei, Cambodia
Copyright © Timothy Tye. Stock Photo for Sale
Banteay Kdei
Cambodia
Banteay Kdei is a monastery-style Angkor temple, similar in layout to Ta Prohm and Preah Khan. It was built in the 12th century to early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII, the most prolific Angkor builder. Banteay Kdei is a Buddhist monastery. Its entrances are adorned with stone faces, a signature of Jayavarman VII. It is quite likely that Banteay Kdei was built over the site of an earlier 10th century temple originally constructed by King Rajendravarman.
Banteay Kdei comprises a central sanctuary and galleried enclosures. It occupies an area measuring 700 meters by 500 meters bounded by a laterite wall and four entrance gopuras with the stone faces. Within the enclosure is a moat, which itself surrounds the third enclosure, another laterite wall measuring 320 meters by 300 meters.
Banteay Kdei is best approached from the east, the side fronting the Srah Srang reservoir on the opposite side of the road. The gopura archway with its stone faces are among the best preserved, and prepared you for what lies ahead.
