Prasat Banteay Samre 2, Siem Reap

Entering through the northern gate, we were under the impression of entering the central sanctuary from here but, we were mistaken as there was a barricade with a moat between us. Retracing our steps, we started walking through the enclosure which surrounds the temple.

2nd enclosure, or a gallery probably a circumambulatory path.

The second enclosure measures 83 meters x 77 meters. It is a common practice in Hindu temples to have a circumambulatory path, in which the worshippers go in clockwise direction around the central santum sanctorum.

the gallery is all around the sanctum santorum

immediately on entering the enclosure, there are a pair of feet on a small pedestal

another pair of feet on a side

This makes me think that these must be part of huge images at some part of time.

north entrance, sanctum sanctorum

dancing Shiva

the outer wall or enclosure is made of laterite which is 6 meter high.

The center sanctuary is surrounded by a gallery with false windows, and decorated gopuras on outside as well as inside.

Sanctum Sanctorum or the inner sanctuary:

The inner enclosure is in the middle surrounded by gallery. On four sides are the gopura. 

Lined by stone pillars, a moat runs all around the central sanctuary. Its not possible to enter the main temple, an internal moat surrounds the central part of temple.

walkway to enter temple

wooden planks across the moat make a bridge

decorated pediments and lintels

west side of temple inner enclosure

The pediment clearly depicts samudra manthan, that is the "churning of the ocean". On one side are the asurs and on the other devtas holding the naga as their rope. On top is Brahma sitting on a lotus, stem coming out from the navel of Vishnu. At the base of pediment can be seen Kurma, the tortoise who holds the earth on its back.

Below the pediment, the lintel shows Vishnu.

door towards the north side

Pediment has Vishnu on the shoulders of Garuda, below them are worshippers with folded hands

Most of the pediments are incomplete so, deciphering them is not easy.

seems like Shiva on pediment

Central Sanctuary or Sanctum Santorum:

The temple has a single central tower with an extended mandapa in front.

the central shrine with mandap in front

the pediments all around are decorated

In the center of temple is a huge stone box with hole at the bottom. The purpose of the box is not clear.

stone box

some broken pieces with flowers on them

Libraries:

North and south of mandapa are two east facing libraries. They both open on the other side, that is towards west.

Southern library:

eastern view of southern library

center part of pediment which probably was an image of Buddha does not exist

view of library, mandap and central tower behind

western view of library

Scene from Ramayana, can see vanar or monkey army at the base of pediment, Rama on northern side

Northern library:

On the north of mandap is the northern library.

eastern view of northern library was being renovated so, missed seeing it

library with mandap on side

northern library, west view

a beautiful pediment with Vishnu reclining on which is supposed to be Sheshnaga, but here it is an amphibian with legs, scales and mouth like a dragon. Same style Of Vishnu is seen in Preah Khan.

Goddess Lakshmi can be seen sitting near his feet. Brahma is clearly visible sitting on the lotus, the stem of which is coming out from the navel of Vishnu.

Just on the northern side, is a scene in which two monkeys are playing a prank. One biting the thigh of other.

the pediment is not clear enough to undertstand

lintel has Vishnu dancing on lotus

east facing pediment of west gopura shows conjunction of sun and moon

the upper part shows a peacock with Kartikeya

false door and windows

the pediment is not complete

lintel shows Vishnu on shoulders of Garuda

the north side of mandap

the minute details of naga have so beautifully been itched

the pediment though not complete, shows the Battle of Lanka. Ravana can be seen with multiple heads and arms.

central shikhar with moat

procession of gods on their mounts-- Varuna, Vishnu, Kubera, Yama, Indra, Skanda

Vishnu in the center on a lion, his face is not clear but four arms can be seen.

Lower part of pediment shows a line of gods----???

beautiful lintel of Vishnu with many arms

The region has plenty of cashew trees. Children pluck cashews and sell them.

cashew apples on ground

boy with a bag for collecting cashews

shops by the side

wild fowl

Though a diversion while visiting Siem Reap, the place is definitely a visit.

 

Timings: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Angkor pass is required