Pre Rup is a magnificent temple located in the Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia, built during the reign of King Rajendravarman II in the late 10th century (around 961 AD). It is a classic example of Khmer temple-mountain architecture, symbolizing Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology. Pre Rup was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and constructed primarily of laterite, brick, and sandstone.
The temple features a quincunx arrangement, with a central tower surrounded by four smaller towers on a tiered pyramid, all representing the five peaks of Mount Meru. Its name, “Pre Rup,” which translates to “turning the body,” suggests it may have been used for funerary rites or cremation ceremonies, though this is speculative.
The temple’s layout is marked by symmetry, with steep stairways leading to the upper platform where the towers sit. Intricate carvings of Hindu deities, apsaras (celestial dancers), and other religious motifs adorn the temple’s surfaces, though some have eroded over time. Visitors often remark on the stunning views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the temple, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the warm light enhances the reddish tones of the stone.
Pre Rup is a testament to Khmer craftsmanship and religious devotion, offering a serene and awe-inspiring experience for those exploring the rich history of Angkor.
The distance from Sokchea Angkor Hotel to Pre Rup Temple is approximately 14 kilometers
