Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei is built primarily from pink sandstone, which gives it a distinctive reddish hue and allows for exceptionally fine, intricate carvings that are better preserved than at most other Khmer sites. The scale of the structures is also unusually small compared to temples like Angkor Wat.

The temple was constructed in the 10th century, with major work completed in 967 CE during the reign of King Rajendravarman. It was expanded later under Jayavarman V, making it one of the older major temples in the Angkor region.

Banteay Srei is dedicated primarily to the Hindu god Shiva, with numerous carvings and lintels depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple's central sanctuary originally housed a Shiva linga, and many of the detailed carvings illustrate stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Banteay Srei is located approximately 25 kilometers northeast of the main Angkor temple group, making it a separate excursion from Angkor Wat and Bayon. The additional travel distance means many visitors make a dedicated half-day trip to reach it.

Unlike most major Khmer temples built by kings, Banteay Srei was commissioned by a courtier and scholar named Yajnavaraha, who served as an advisor to King Rajendravarman. This is notable because it is one of the few major Angkor-era temples not built under direct royal patronage.