Cambodia Temple #2: Banteay Samre Temple

Banteay Samre temple is worth the extra effort to experience the elaborate architecture, and fine carvings, although theft has mutilated many of the temple's treasures. The temple experienced broad restoration this century by archeologists utilizing the anastylosis method. Banteay Samre temple was built around the same time from Angkor Wat temple. The style of the towers and balustrades look to some extent like the towers of Angkor Wat temple and a large number of the carvings are in fantastic condition.  

Banteay Samre temple is somewhat off the Grand Circuit, close to the southeast corner of the East Baray. The visit there is a pleasant minimal 3km road trip through villages and paddies. Join a visit to Banteay Srey temple with a stop at Banteay Samre temple on the way back.  

Banteay Samre temple in Cambodia is to some degree "off the beaten track", situated far from the more visited Angkor temples. The temple is named after the Samre, an ancient ethnic Indochinese tribe most likely related to the Khmers. Banteay, is a Khmer word for tower. In its architecture and style the temple bears a very similar resemblance to both its neighbor, Banteay Srey temple, and the lofty Angkor Wat temple itself. Banteay Samre temple features would need to include the interior moat which when loaded with water must have given the temple a mystical and peaceful sensation. And afterward obviously, the temple's area and environment set within wonderful rice paddies and local villages.  

The temples pediments and lintels are beautified with exceptionally unpredictable and well preserved carvings of Hindu mythological stories and Buddhist depictions.  

As an engraved stele giving information about the establishing of the temple has not been discovered, it is not realized what year the temple was fabricated. Judging from its style and ornamentation, it is likely that the Banteay Samre temple was set up around halfway through the twelfth century amid the rule of King Suryavarman II.  

Some beautiful pictures of Banteay Samre temple:

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