After my amazing expedition at Ta Prohm Temple, I rode on my granny bicycle and headed to my next stop - the PRE RUP TEMPLE; which is just a few kilometers east to Ta Prohm and just along the main road.
Unlike the jungle theme with gigantic trees engulfing Ta Prohm, Pre Rup Temple was the exact opposite. Visiting this temple was an adventure into the dessert. The temple itself resembles like a pyramid and the environment was like a hot barren land with no trees to provide shade while walking inside its premises.
What was noticeable for me once I started my adventure inside was the warm red tones of the walls. Apparently, the structure was built using brick and laterite materials thus giving it its warm red colors. Some parts of the walls or structure seemed to be burned as well or most have decayed faster throughout the years. Prangs on the ground were accessible but does contain any significant things.
Another prominent feature that distinguishes Pre Rup among other temples in Angkor Wat Park was its stepped pyramid which is said to represent Mount Meru of Hindu Mythology. This square shaped pyramid temple consists of three tiers or levels and reaches a height of about 12m. I went up the pyramid through the eastern stairs guarded by lion statues on both sides on every level. On top of the pyramid was the central prang (off limits to people) which contains the sanctuary room that holds a "Linga" and four other prangs on each corner of the third level.
From the top, I was also given an amazing view of Pre Rup's entirety. There are about 6 towers near the Eastern entrance although 1 is missing its body. The two square enclosures, long galleries and libraries could also be seen from the top. Walking around the platform was a bit scary because there were no railings or side barriers along its edge so one must be mindful once reaching the top.
Pre Rup although seen as a very simple temple, it was all about balance and proportions because of its square layout. And I love symmetry.
Pre Rub was built by King Rajendravarman II in the 10th century in dedication to the Hindu God Siva, a decade after he erected East Mebon Temple. Some research says that Pre Rup was associated with being a cremation or funeral temple, others argue that it was the King's "imperial state temple". Despite that, this temple remains to be the King's status symbol of ambition and power during his time.
Rediscovered in the 19th century including the other temples, Pre Rup was still covered in soil and excavated by the French explorers. Although this temple has endured throughout the centuries, it is deteriorating faster compared to the other temples in the area due to the quality of materials used in this building.
Pre Rup is said to be another beautiful site where you can get stunning sunset photos. Closing time was 7:00pm which allows you more time to get those sunset photos. Unfortunately, I was not able to experience this because I came in at noon time. The sun was already burning through my skin despite the coveralls I wore so I left this temple hoping to visit it soon. Currently, it is under repair and tourists are temporarily banned from visiting this temple for safety reasons.
Even though less popular than other temples, Pre Rup is a temple one must not miss.
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