Pre Rup Temple, Cambodia: Photos, Best Things to Do, Suggested Tours

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Pre Rup Temple, Cambodia

Pre Rup Temple is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia.

Pre Rup Temple built as the state temple of Khmer king Rajendravarman.

Pre Rup Temple is a temple mountain of combined brick, laterite and sandstone construction.

Pre Rup Temple, name is a comparatively modern one meaning "turn the body".

Pre Rup Temple located just south of the East Baray.

Pre Rup Temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

Pre Rup Temple overview

Pre Rup is also called an Angkorian remnant. It is 25 kilometers from the city’s center. Pre-Rup Temple is a relatively new name that means “transform the body.”

In 961 and 962, the temple was erected as the national shrine of King Rajendravarman and served as a place of worship for the Hindu god Shiva. This is the temple mountain’s blend of brick, laterite, and sandstone construction.

Similar to Angkor Wat, a well-known tourist destination in the land of temples, Pre Rup Temple has three towers in the center. However, it is made of gray sandstone, which is less resilient than red sandstone used in other buildings. Because of the harsh weather and the length of time, many of the carvings on the temple have faded away.

Highlights of Pre-Rup Temple

You will be able to see the surrounding forest from a great height as they ascend to the twelve-meter tower. The vista is very beautiful here in the morning or at dusk. Travelers may find it a fascinating task to reach Pre Rup Temple because of the steps’ extreme height and steepness. But I won’t advise you to try it if you’re terrified of heights.

Pre Rup is a great location for watching the sunset as well. Tourists will find the sight of Pre Rup Temple slowly drenched in the glow of the setting sun to be breathtaking. If you see that many individuals are attempting to get the most stunning images at that time, don’t be so shocked.

The temple’s mission is to worship the god Shiva. It is encircled by four walls that form a square block. Additionally, the five towers are erected in a group using the same architectural design (a square dais below and the central tower above). After their deaths, the Cambodian Royal’s ashes are kept in these towers. The temple also contains a library system to preserve religious texts and record the formation’s history. The shrine is surrounded by 12 stone lions that have been beautifully and vividly carved.

This temple in the mountains is renowned for its exquisite construction and artwork. The finely carved doors are truly priceless works of art. Fortunately, the engraving details have been well-preserved, allowing visitors to appreciate them. Tradition has claimed that this is a temple where burials are held, but in reality, it belonged to King Jayavarman II. The temple is significant historically since it was the second one to be constructed following the transfer of the capital from Koh Ker to Angkor. Even though the majority of the building is now in ruins, the temple as a whole is extremely beautiful, especially after dusk.

Pre Rup should be on your list of must-see attractions in Cambodia due to its rich historical significance and stunning exterior. You won’t be let down by what this intriguing location has in store for you if you take the time to explore it.

How to travel to Pre Rup Temple?

Pre Rup Temple is just about 25 kilometers from Siem Reap center so you can catch a tuk-tuk for around 30 minutes or drive to get here. When you are traveling to Ta Prohm or Banteay Kdei Temple in Cambodia, this is a convenient stop.

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