Banteay Srei Temple loosely translates to "Citadel of the Women" or perhaps "Citadel of Beauty", but this is a modern appellation that probably refers to the delicate beauty of the carvings. The temple's actual name, taken from that of its central linga, was Tribhuvanamahesvara, "Great Lord of the Threefold World". Built at a time when the Khmer Empire was gaining significant power and territory, the temple was constructed by a Brahmin counselor under a powerful...
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Banteay Srei Temple loosely translates to "Citadel of the Women" or perhaps "Citadel of Beauty", but this is a modern appellation that probably refers to the delicate beauty of the carvings. The temple's actual name, taken from that of its central linga, was Tribhuvanamahesvara, "Great Lord of the Threefold World". Built at a time when the Khmer Empire was gaining significant power and territory, the temple was constructed by a Brahmin counselor under a powerful king, Rajendravarman and later under Jayavarman V. Banteay Srei displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. The walls are densely covered with some of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple. The temple's relatively small size, pink sandstone construction and ornate design give it a fairyland ambiance. Banteay Srei lies 38km from Siem Reap at the foot of the Kulen Mountains.
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