Tep Pranam temple, Angkor Thom

 On the north of Terrace of the Leper King, passing by small shops is Tep Pranam.

There are 4 lions facing each other halfway along the laterite causeway. A 75 meter laterite causeway guarded by lion on each side lead to a single hall with the image inside.

The naga balustrade and the sema stones are only on the eastern causeway.

part of the causeway opposite to temple

Etymology of the temple name:

Pronounced as "Prannom". The word Tep comes from the Sanskrit word, Dev, meaning a diety. Pranam has its root in the Sanskrit word Pranaam, which means bowing in front of a deity with palms pressing together during prayers.

Layout of temple:

• The layout of this temple is very simple. A 75-meter long and 8 meter wide laterite causeway leads to the main image. The causeway is split in the center with a pair of lions facing each other.

• The east facing causeway has sema stones or boundary in its four corners and is surrounded by small chedis all around. 

• The causeway is surrounded by a naga balustrade. The head of naga is no longer there but on careful observation look like a 7-hooded naga.

Period of construction:

A stele found near the temple suggests its existence and being constructed by Yashovarman I as there were many Buddhist monasteries built during that time in the area.

The causeway with Naga balustrades was a later addition built when Angkor Thom was built by Jayavarman VII.

The guardian lions point to 13th century.

The principle image on the lotus platform is from the 16th century.

remnants of chedis around the temple

The terrace is surrounded by small chedis on its north, south and west leaving the east which is the entrance.

lone standing almost perfect chedi

At the base of  image is a naga balustrade being held by garuda.

A concrete patchwork has been done on the original image during restoration. The image belonging to 15-16th century sits with one hand touching the ground and the other over his right leg. This is the Bhumisparsha mudra or calling the mother earth to witness.

The image is 6 meters high and sits 1 meter high on a lotus.

The head has a ushnisha, with hair which comes up with a flame like tip. It symbolizes wisdom, spiritual enlightenment.

The statue sits on a lotus pedestal

Standing Buddha:

On the western side, is a 4 meter high Buddha in Abhaymudra, or the gesture of fearlessness.

Keep going towards westwards and there is a standing statue of Buddha.

a woman offering prayers

The statue has been supported by a wall of bricks from behind.

Since the place is hardly visited, most people like to relax here. The temple has been renovated now.

temple when I visited earlier

sema stone in a corner

lion guarding the entrance

Though a short detour, combine visiting it with Preah Palilay which is slightly further ahead.