Banteay Srei

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15 Feb 2014

 
Banteay Srei is a remarkably beautiful and small non-royal temple.  Almost everything is decorated admirably.  It is situated more than 20 km north of Angkor. The major part is sitting in the middle of an artifical lake, adding aesthetic beauty and romance to the temple. It was built by Yajnavaraha, a guru of the future king Jayavarman V.  The original name was Tribhuvanamahesvara - 'Great Lord of the Threefold World' but lately 'Citadel of Women'.
 
Banteay Srei is small but volume of tourists is huge.  It is too much to be accommodated.  Coaches and individuals all arrived in the morning to take advantage of the correct light for photo shoot.

Near the entrance awaits you the motif of Indra sitting on a 3-headed elephant.  Somewhere in the temple, another motif shows the same story.  Nearby is Narasimha clawing Hiranyakasipu.
Indra sitting on 3-headed elephant
Narasimha clawing Hiranyakasipu
There are numerous exquisite motifs. Browse the photos below to satify your eyes for beauty.  

Fire on the Khandava Forest
Flight between Valin and Sugriva
Krishna killing Kamsa
A fight between Arjuna and Siva
Kama fires an arrow at Shiva
Around Banteay Srei are scenes of the gorgeously charming nature.  Lush green picturesque landscape, life around the lake........ Simply don't miss them and as a change of the form of beauty, from art to nature.
 
Walking around you will find a small exhibition centre.   It shows photos of the restoration, various motifs and other findings at the site of Banteay Srei.   Enjoy!
 






 

Location: Banteay Srei, Cambodia

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