Banteay Srei

In the town of Siem Reap, which is located in Cambodia, there is an ensemble of temples called Banteaysrei or Bantiei Sray, which literally means « Citadel of Women ». This ensemble was erected in honor of the Hindu god Shiva, even when the reign of Rajendravarman II back in 967. But fame, Banteaysrei gained, around the 1930s, after Andre Malro tried to steal the local statues.

This building complies with all the laws of Hindu architecture, as indicated by the Prasatov gathering, which was built on the site. A red sandstone was used to erect Banteaysrei. This kind of stone gives the temple an unusual beauty, it is perfectly amenable to processing, which was used by ancient architects. The threaded on this stone has been preserved until our time, thanks to which this ensemble bears the proud title of "pearl of Khmer art". The second name that this temple is named sounds like « Women's Fortress », and it's not without reason, because its miniature dimensions, as well as magnificent bas-reliefs that successfully embellish the walls, resembling female care. This temple was restored from 1931 to 1936, using the method of Henri Marshall. When examined by his scientists, the inscription was decrypted on the stele that made such a sense: Yajnyavaraha ( the court adviser to the monk who built this temple ) was a scientist who actively provided assistance to the poor, sick, suffering.

But, despite the beauty of the temple, Banteaysrei is not the most popular in Cambodia and there is a logical explanation for this. The thing is that the distance from Angkor to Banteaysreu is not small, and the road, passing by which, you can get to the temple, goes through the jungle. But the one who decides on such a journey does not spare a little. This eastern temple, with darkened walls over time and magnificent thread on the columns, is simply fascinating. The statues located on this territory, despite their thousand-year age, seem simply alive.

Especially beautiful Banteaysrei seems at sunset. It is when the sun's rays illuminate the temple that the red sandstone is so transformed that it simply radiates fire heat. Having visited Banteaysrei, Angkor will open in front of you on the other side. You can taste the temple any day by overcoming 35 km. north of the city of Siem Reap.