Banteay Srei Temple is located in Banteay Srei Village, Khnar Sanday Commune, Banteay Srei District, Siem Reap Province, approximately 32 kilometers from Angkor Wat and 37 kilometers from Siem Reap town.
This temple was constructed from pink sandstone, a high-quality material known for its durability and ability to support intricately detailed carvings. Archaeologists regard it as the quintessential example of the Banteay Srei style of Khmer art and architecture.
According to inscriptions, this exquisite temple was built in the 10th century, during the end of King Rajendravarman II’s reign and the beginning of King Jayavarman V’s reign, by Yajnavaraha, a high-ranking courtier and advisor to King Rajendravarman II. He was also the royal guru of King Jayavarman V.
Although Yajnavaraha’s name is associated with an incarnation of the god Vishnu (Narayana), he and his brother Visnukumara built this temple in dedication to Lord Shiva, in the form of a linga named Tribhuvana Maheshvara, which translates to “The Great Lord of the Three Worlds.”
The temple’s decorations are divine in their detail, featuring carvings related to Shiva, Vishnu, and stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics.
The temple’s three main towers all face east. The central tower enshrines a linga representing Lord Shiva. The southern tower is dedicated to another form of Shiva, while the northern tower is dedicated to Vishnu.
What is particularly admirable about Banteay Srei and the royal guru is that, during that era, there was no strict adherence to a single religion. Instead, different faiths were practiced harmoniously—a cultural tradition of religious tolerance that continues to this day.
Due to its intricate carvings and delicate bas-reliefs—considered among the finest examples of Khmer sculptural art—the temple has become extremely popular and widely renowned, helping international tourists appreciate the value of Khmer art.
How to Get There:
Most visitors hire a tuk-tuk or taxi to reach Banteay Srei. For cycling enthusiasts, the 37 km (74 km round trip) ride from Siem Reap is an option—but only attempt this if you’re physically prepared. Given Cambodia’s intense heat, bring plenty of water and plan accordingly.
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