Cambodia Temple #3: Banteay Chhmar Temple

Banteay Chhmar temple is one of Cambodia's most essential and minimum comprehended temples from the Angkorian period. The temple complex, its moat, Baray (container) and encompassing unaffected environment contains a remarkable archeological site and an essential connection in Cambodia's cultural heritage. Thus, it is currently one of Cambodia's top priorities for inscription as an UNESCO World Heritage site. Its remoteness from Angkor Wat, to some extent, clarifies the lack of in-depth documentation and study of the temple. The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MCFA) is in charge of overseeing the temple complex.

Banteay Chhmar is the fourth biggest temple dating from the Angkorian period after Preah Khan (in Kampong Svay), Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat being the biggest temple. There are nine satellite temples as a part of the temple complex. Moreover, Banteay Torp, another charming temple well-worth seeing is around 12 kilometers south of the main temple.  

In spite of the fact that there is no recorded or written name for the temple, researchers generally trust that the name Banteay Chhmar likely signified "The Small Citadel" or "Narrow Fortress" (a Khmer word conceivably, Chhmarl or Chmarl meaning little, small or tiny). Eventually, perhaps through oral change, the name moved toward becoming Chhmar (cat). In this manner, these days, the temple is usually called the "Citadel of the Cat." These references and the oral change are not obviously comprehended and require more documentation and research.  

It is thought to have been built by King Jayarvarman II from the late 12th to the early 13th century. It was later rebuilt by Jayarvarman VII as a funerary temple for his son and four generals who had been killed in a battle repelling a Cham invasion in 1177. A shrine in the temple once held a picture of a Crown Prince, accepted to be Indravarman, and most likely a son of Jayavarman VII. A Khmer inscription found at the site (now on display at the National Museum, Phnom Penh) tells how this prince was protected on two distinct events by four generals. The inscription records the names of these officials and discloses to us that their particular pictures were once set in the four corners of this shrine.  

The temple zone covers 2km by 2 and a half km. It contains the main temple complex and various different religious structures and a Baray to its east. A mote loaded with water and an enormous wall inside of that encloses the center of the temple. This mote is as yet used to show day by local people for fishing and daily tasks. A bustling small market and village limits the east and south east and maybe there has been continuous habitation there since the establishing of the temple.  

Inside the mote, a stone rest house and sanctuary can be seen. The feature of Banteay Chhmar is the bas-reliefs, which are practically identical with the Bayon. They illustrate fight against the Chams, religious scenes and a large group of day by day exercises. In parts, the outer wall has collapsed. On the west side a wonderful multi-equipped Lekesvara can be seen. The temples central complex is a jumble of towers, galleries, vegetation and fallen stones. Beautiful carvings can be seen throughout.  

Some beautiful pictures of Banteay Chhmar temple:

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4. Cambodia Temple #9: Chau Say Tevoda Temple 
5. Cambodia Temple #8: Baksei Chamkrong Temple 
6. Cambodia Temple #7: Preah Ko Temple 
7. Cambodia Temple #6: Neak Pean Temple
8. Cambodia Temple #5: Takeo Temple
9. Cambodia Temple #4: Bayon Temple
10. Cambodia Temple #2: Banteay Samre Temple
11. Cambodia Temple #1: Banteay Srei Temple