We had to travel for almost an hour by tuk-tuk to reach Banteay Srei. The moment I saw the entrance of the temple, I was immediately awed by the beauty of its structure and colour. The time spent travelling was definitely worth it.

Banteay Srei is one of the most unusual temples of Angkor. It lies 20 km due north of the main group. Banteay Srei stands out from the other temples in Angkor because it is built largely of red sandstone, which is covered with elaborate and deeply carved decoration.

Consecrated in 967, Banteay Srei was the only major temple at Angkor not built for the king; instead it was constructed by one of king Rajendravarman’s counsellors, Yajnyavahara. The temple was primarily dedicated to Shiva. The temple was subject to further expansion and rebuilding work in the eleventh century. At some point it came under the control of the king and had its original dedication changed; an inscription of the early twelfth century records the temple being given to the priest Divarakapandita and being rededicated to Shiva. It remained in use at least until the fourteenth century.

Banteay Srei’s style is a mix of the archaic and the innovative. It is built largely of red sandstone, with brick and laterite used only for the enclosure walls and some structural elements. Although Banteay Srei’s coloration is unique, sandstone of other shades was later to become the norm. 

Decoration covering almost every available surface is deeply sculpted and figures rounded.

A portrait of a friendly old lady at Banteay Srei.

Well, there are more pictures here if you want to take a look!