Pre Rup, Hindu temple mountain in Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia
Pre Rup is a temple mountain of brick, laterite and sandstone, its square base rising in three steep tiers to a 35 m square summit. Five towers stand in a quincunx there, the central one tallest, with bas-relief deities flanking its eastern door. Twelve small shrines surround the lowest tier, and long galleries run along each side.
Rajendravarman II built Pre Rup as his state temple and dedicated it to Shiva in 961 or early 962, installing the royal linga Rajendrabhadreshvara in the central tower. It probably stands on a Shivaite ashram founded by Yasovarman I. The northeast tower's doorjamb inscription from Jayavarman VI is the only proof of that king's reign at Angkor.
The temple's name refers to traditional funeral rites that held deep meaning in Hindu-Khmer society. Its towers and layout reflected religious hierarchy and royal power, visibly expressing the spiritual and political order of the kingdom.
You reach this temple through the southeast entrance of Angkor Park with a valid Temple Pass and can explore it as part of the grand circuit route. The steep stairs require sturdy footwear and caution, especially during wet weather.
The grey sandstone and laterite construction materials shift in color during sunrise and sunset, taking on reddish hues. This is one of the few views in Angkor where changing light transforms how the place appears.
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