Pre Rup is one of the most fabulous Hindu temples in Angkor, Cambodia. It was constructed during the reign of King Rajendravarman in 961 or 962 AD. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the name of the linga (a form of Shiva) is Rajendrabhadreshvara. It was built in the temple mountain pattern, which is an architectural representation of Mount Meru, the home of gods. It was made up of brick, sandstone and laterite. The name Pre rup carries the meaning “turn the body”. According to ancient Cambodian belief, the funerals conducted at the temples would make the ashes ritually rotated in different directions.

 

 

Pre rup was constructed using laterite and brick, which give a pleasant reddish appearance to it. It looks awesome in early morning and late afternoon sunlight. It has a square lay out and a laterite wall surrounds the temple on all four sides. It features a massive gopura that has three doorways. The main entrance is at the east gopura, where you can see a row of six towers. The first tier in the east gopura can be reached by a steep staircase. You can find libraries on either side of the walkway on the second platform. There is a stone reservoir, which must once have been a basement for a nandi statue. Nandi is the vehicle of Shiva and it is a common practice in Hindu temples to keep nandi statue in front of Shiva.

 

From the top tier, you can view the surrounding areas well. The Kulen hills in the east and Angkor Wat in the west can be seen from this top tier. You can also enjoy viewing the amazingly carved false doors on the upper level of this temple. The carvings are richly detailed and well preserved. The architectural style of this temple is almost similar to that of East Mebon.

 

The three narrow tiers serve as a pedestal for the five towers on the top platform; of the five towers, four are located in four corners and one is located in the center. The outer enclosure wall has two groups of three towers and the towers of each group share a common base. You can see the complete lintel on the tower at the far left on the east face. You can see a figurine showing the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, a man-lion. The sandstone pillars in the east, windows with balusters in the west are so beautiful to view. The east entry tower has high towers that shelter carved stones, which represent the motifs of nine planets. The seven ascetics can also be seen in the libraries.

 

The tower in southwest corner boasts of a depiction of Goddess Saraswati, wife of Brahma. On the western side, you can see the wild boar avatar of Lord Vishnu. The figurines of flying apsaras can also be found here. The west towers have feminine figures, while the east and central towers have masculine figures. Deities carved as bas reliefs guard the eastern door of the central tower.

 

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