Banteay Kdei is one of the famous temples in Angkor, Cambodia. It was built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century to early 13th century. It is much similar in plan to Ta Prohm and Preah Khan, but it is smaller than those temples. It followed the monastic pattern of Ta Prohm. It was built in the Bayon style. This Buddhist temple was occupied by monks at various intervals. As no inscription stone has been discovered, it is not clear to whom the temple is dedicated. It is in a ruined state, due to the faulty construction and poor quality sandstone. Restoration work is under way at this site.

 

 

Banteay Kdei was built as a Buddhist monastic complex. It is located on the shore of Srah Srang. You can begin your visit at the east Gopura near Srah Srang. The temple has two consecutive enclosure walls, which comprise of two concentric galleries. Though no information available about the deity this temple is dedicated to. A tenth century inscription found in the western gopura specifies that the second enclosure was sculpted on re-used stones, from the neighboring temple of Kutisvara.

 

The east gopura entrance has smiling Lokeswara features, which are similar to those at Ta Prohm. The doorway is guarded by garudas in each corner. The large Buddhist terrace located in front of the temple is decorated with naga and garudas figurines. You can also see lion statues that were sculpted in the Bayon style. The terrace with naga and garudas balusters is slightly raised.

 

Banteay Kdei has a large rectangular shape hall, which might have served as a space for dance programs. This rectangular hall is almost similar to that of Ta Prohm and Preah Khan. The entrance has square columns and is adorned with apsaras. Both paired and single dancing apsaras were sculpted in low relief. The hairstyle and jewelry of apsaras can be clearly seen in these sculptures. The lotus buds at the bottom of the dancing apsaras figurines were carved elegantly.

 

The third enclosure gopura has internal columns and the walls of porches featured Buddha images. These images were destroyed during the period following Jayavarman’s reign. The third enclosure is covered by vaults that are constructed with sandstone and laterite. They collapsed due to the ravages of time. You can access the eastern entrance of Ta Prohm temple from the rear of this complex.

 

Banteay Kdei temple stands as an evidence of two different art styles – Bayon and Angkor. Many tourists miss this spot and they often only visit Ta Prohm and Preah Khan. However, Banteay Kdei is a worthy place to visit. It is not only spacious, but also has tree-shaded beautiful grounds. It does not have much traffic, so it is a great place, if you want to spend time leisurely. Though it lacks the symmetry of other popular temples in Angkor, you can enjoy viewing some marvelous sculptures. The rectangular courtyard also known as the hall of dancing girls is surely a lovely spot to visit.

 

© 2009 Abiyoyo SL