Banteay Kdei

Banteay Kdei, which literally means "the Citadel of Monastic Chambers," is a Buddhist complex. Located 2 kilometers east of Angkor Thom and southeast of Ta Prohm, this temple is part of the archaeological site of Angkor. Less visited, this location showcases Khmer architecture, culture, and history. To escape the crowds at the famous Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, it is advisable to retreat to this site. It allows for a peaceful and enjoyable experience of the true value of Khmer culture.

History

Built on the remains of an ancient temple from King Jayavarman II, Banteay Kdei was constructed in 1185 by Jayavarman VII. Like all other temples built under his reign, this one was also dedicated to Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, the main deity of his kingdom. After the death of Jayavarman VII, most of these temples, including Banteay Kdei, were looted and vandalized during the Shaivite revolution. Afterward, the temples were neglected and overtaken by wild vegetation.

As a Buddhist temple, Banteay Kdei was frequented by Buddhist monks until 1960. Today, this temple is significantly damaged due to the poor quality of sandstone used and the subpar construction quality.

Visiting Banteay Kdei

Banteay Kdei Temple is one of the oldest temples in Angkor. Built with soft sandstone, the site includes two enclosed spaces and two surrounding walls with partitions on each side. The enclosure between the walls consists of galleries, a central tower, and several galleries, some of which are now collapsed.

Designed in the style of Angkor Thom and Bayon, Banteay Kdei follows the architectural style of Khmer mountain temples. It is a simpler and smaller version. It features concentric enclosures with gopuras that are very similar to those of Ta Prohm.

Within the inner wall enclosure, the central structure remains the only elevated construction of the temple, rising over 4 levels. Inside, it is marked by images of apsaras and is topped with a seated Buddha statue. Vandalized during the Shaivite revolution, this statue is still disfigured today. At the top of the structure, there are 5 towers, mainly built of brick. From this location, you will enjoy a panoramic 360° view of the entire site and its surroundings.

In terms of decoration, Banteay Kdei is a modest and simpler temple. However, it stands out with its intricate and exquisite mythological decorations. During your visit, you can find sculptures of mystical creatures positioned as guardians of the temple. There are also statues of lions connected by balustrades.

Serving as the entrance, the gopuras facing west are located at the north and south sections of the walls. Unlike other similar structures at Angkor, these gopuras are built like galleries. Surmounted by a tower, they have an outer wall and a double row of pillars. Each is also decorated with an image of the face of Lokesvara, an incarnation of the Buddhist deity Avalokitesvara.

200 meters west of the main entrance and around the main sanctuary, there is a moat decorated with statues of lions. There are also balustrades adorned with sculptures of nagas and garudas, mythical creatures from Hindu mythology.

To the right of the entrance, you will find a beautiful library. This monument still holds the turbulent history of the temple's construction. Thanks to its successive reconstructions, it stands among the best-preserved buildings on the site. It contains various Buddha head statues discovered in its courtyards during restoration work.

Among the structures found here, the Hall of Dancers stands as Banteay Kdei’s trophy. Located east of the central temple, the hall has a roof supported by columns decorated with sculptures of apsaras representing celestial dancers, hence the origin of the hall’s name. The celestial dancers were once known for entertaining the gods and secondary deities, the Devatas.

Sra Srang

Located east of the entrance, Sra Srang marks the starting point for visiting Banteay Kdei. It is often said that this lake complements its reputation. According to history, this place once served as a private bathing pool for the king and his guests. It is a large basin measuring 800 meters long and 400 meters wide. In the middle, a small island still hosts the remains of a wooden temple, and the stone base can still be seen today. Very peaceful in the morning, you will certainly appreciate the reflections on the lake at sunrise.

How to get there

To reach Banteay Kdei, it is very easy to get there from the east gate of Ta Prohm. Over a distance of 600 meters, the Demasur road leads directly to the west entrance of the temple.

Hours and Fees

The site is open every day from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.