Angkor Temple Guide: #7 Banteay Prei

The full title is Banteay Prei (or Prey) Nokor. Confusingly, this is normally known by the name Wat Nokor Bachey, and a sign on the road guiding the way actually states that. Even worse, locals call it Wat Angkor. The temple complex is located in Kompong Siem, about 1200 meters (400ft) from the town of Kompong Cham. This monument is constructed from sandstone and laterite, and dates from the turn of the 13th century, during the final years of the reign of Jayavarman VII. It consists of a central tower around which are arranged four laterite wall-enclosures. The central tower of the temple is decorated with carvings characteristic of the Bayon depicting Buddhist scenes on the pediments.

Confusingly it has three names

The largest ancient temple complex in Kampong Cham Province. It is also significant in that it is built of black sandstone. This makes it stand out from other temples of the same period, which are constructed in brick or red sandstone. It is possible that a more modern temple of a different style was built over and around the original. This creates something of a haphazard effect to the design.

The Legends of Banteay Prei

As is often the case in things Cambodian and religious, legends surround the origin of Banteay Prei. The most popular one has overtone of Oedipus. Accordingly the temple was built by a king who killed his father in an “accident” and then married his mother. The King was cast away by his father after a seer told him that his son would kill him. The son, however, returned to his kingdom not knowing that his father was the King. Following a quarrel, the son killed the King and married his Queen who was his mother. Upon discovering the truth, the young man built the temple in penance for his crime

Top Tips

The temple is fairly run down and ill-maintained. It is never busy with tourists, which adds to its appeal. It is located near Neak Pean and Preah Khan and all three can be included in the same trip.

Previously published:
1: Ak Yom https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-1-ak-yom
2: Angkor Thom https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-2-angkor-thom
3: Angkor Wat https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-3-angkor-wat
4: Bakong https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-4-bakong
5: Baksei Chamrong https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-5-baksei-chamrong
6: Banteay Kdei https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-6-banteay-kdei

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