Banteay Srei is a magnificent Hindu temple in Angkor, Cambodia. It is located near the hill Phnom Dei. It was constructed in 967 AD by Yajnavaraha, a counselor to King Rajendravarman. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. It was originally known as Tribhuvanamahesvara. Now it is referred by the modern name Banteay Srei, which means “citadel of beauty”. The intricacy of the carvings and small dimensions of architecture justifies this name.

 

The temple was divided along the central east west axis later and the north of the axis was dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple was further expanded in 11th century. It was rediscovered in 1914 only and then it was restored by anastylosis.

 

 

Banteay Srei was built largely by using red sandstones and bricks. Laterite was used only for the enclosure walls. Red sandstones can be carved like wood and you can view numerous beautiful figurines in this temple. It is renowned for the beauty of the lintels and pediments made of sandstone. Lintel is actually a horizontal beam that connects two vertical columns between a passage way. Pediment is a triangular structure above the lintel. You can see the pediments that tell us some interesting stories related to Hinduism.

 

The sculpture in which Ravana( a demon) shaking Mount Kailasa where Lord Shiva is enthroned helps you understand the story. Similarly, another pediment depicts Kama (God of love) arriving to disturb the meditation of Shiva. You can also see pediments portraying Vishnu themes like “Krishna killing Kamsa and the” rain of Indra” The lintels have kalas on looped garlands. You can see dvarapalas, the guardians and the colonettes in this temple.

 

Banteay Srei comprises of three rectangular enclosures that were built on an east west axis and a causeway that is situated on the axis. You can enter the temple via the causeway. The inner enclosure has a sanctuary, three towers and an entrance chamber. It also includes two buildings which were converted into libraries.

 

The eastern pediment of the Gopuras shows Indra, because he is the God of east direction according to Hindu mythology. You can also see the vehicle of Indra, a three headed elephant Airavata. The beautiful figurine of Lord Shiva Nataraja (the dancing posture of Shiva) can be seen in the eastern pediment of the east gopura.

 

The east pediment on the north library in this temple depicts a beautiful story. Agni the God of fire sets fire to kill a naga living in the forest. Indra creates rain to stop Agni. Krishna and his cousin Arjun help Agni stop the rain and kill the naga.

 

The sanctuary in Banteay Srei includes an entrance chamber, which has a corbelled rood made of brick. You can then enter a short corridor directing to three towers on the west. The six stairways that lead to the platform were guarded by two human figures with animal heads. Now you can see only the replicas of those statues. The originals were stolen or transferred to museums.

 

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