Jewel of Khmer Art: The Banteay Srei Jewel of Khmer Art: The Banteay Srei Jewel of Khmer Art: The Banteay Srei Jewel of Khmer Art: The Banteay Srei

A trip to the Angkor Wat complex A trip to the Angkor Wat complex A trip to the Angkor Wat complex A trip to the Angkor Wat complex demands that one too, must include in demands that one too, must include in demands that one too, must include in demands that one too, must include in their visit the famous and graceful their visit the famous and graceful their visit the famous and graceful their visit the famous and graceful beauty of all Angkor, the Banteay beauty of all Angkor, the Banteay beauty of all Angkor, the Banteay beauty of all Angkor, the Banteay Srei. Srei. Srei. Srei.

Jewel of Khmer Art in all of Cambodia Jewel of Khmer Art in all of Cambodia Jewel of Khmer Art in all of Cambodia Jewel of Khmer Art in all of Cambodia

Considered not to be a royal temple however, it places it own stature as the Jewel of Khmer Art in all of Cambodia for its fine details, carvings on red sandstones and devatas as well as dverapalas adorn its great edifices. This temple is a miniature scale compared to the gargantuan temples of all Angkor Wat complexes yet it captures the imagination of all visitors, tourist and backpackers.

Visiting Banteay Srei

This is situated exterior from where most temples in the Angkor complex is located. A good 30-45 minutes Tuktuk ride from the main Angkor complex will be enjoyed for the backpacker on the search for adventure.

Upon reaching the complex, one is greeted with a great canopy of fine wooden complex selling souvenir on the temple of Banteay Srei.

Banteay refers to the citadel which was built by Yajnavaraha, the royal counsellor and the guru of the future King Jayavarman V. Upon the edict of the King, he was granted this rich land on the banks of the upper Siem Reap river. It dates back to as far as 2nd half of the 10th century and was finished a year before King Rajendravarman died. Banteay Srei is surrounded by lush greeneries and in ancient times, surrounded by a village named Isvarapura.

Citadel of controversyCitadel of controversyCitadel of controversyCitadel of controversy

Controversy and Shameless theft

What made this temple famous in the western world was the singular notorious act of theft by 21-year old Frenchman Andre Malraux, later to become Minister of Culture under Charles de Gaule of France. Malraux was accosted by authorities after he removed four apsara figures from Banteay Srei in 1923, fortunately enough; the stolen apsara figures were recovered however the incident heightened the interests of the world on the heritage and cultural value of Banteay Srei. The temple complex then was renovated in 1931 and in 1936.

I saw in the Banteay Srei regal and royalty in its

greatness and beauteous grandeur.

There were inscription on the door-frame of the Gopura II as well as those fancy stones lining at the causeway of the Banteay Srei. Consecrated in 22 April 967, the Banteay Srei is also called the “citadel of women” or rather “citadel of beauty”, this is so perhaps because of its exquisite detailing of bas relief on its entire temple.

Sure to capture your attention is the detailed carvings on red sandstone of a “Kala”, a mystical creature representing time and of God Shiva. The intricate detailing of the bas reliefs are great source of artistry and craftsmanship, a genuine jewel of Khmer Art.

Defining Khmer Art at Banteay Srei will

forever be a journey where your own humanity will see immensely how craft of

old converges to the modernity of the new

world.

The jewel of Khmer Art is the temple we now call

Banteay Srei

© Journeys and Travels (2012)

www.journeysandtravels.com

Dr. Wendell Glenn P. Cagape