Srah Srang, Ancient reservoir in Angkor, Cambodia

Srah Srang is a large rectangular water reservoir within the Angkor complex with an elaborate stone platform featuring a cross shape. The platform displays sandstone detailing and decorative serpent balustrades carved along its edges.

A 10th-century king commissioned this reservoir as a water storage facility for the Angkor system. About three centuries later, another ruler from the later Angkor period expanded and modified it.

Water held deep meaning for the Khmer people, and this reservoir displays this through detailed stone carvings featuring mythological beings. The sculptures tell stories of gods and legends that mattered to the communities who built and used this place.

Srah Srang lies south of the East Baray and directly opposite the east entrance of Banteay Kdei, not east of Prasat Kravan. The western laterite landing-stage, cruciform and flanked by naga balustrades, is reached by steps guarded by two lion sculptures. Its flat stone platform is a common spot for sunrise viewing.

A 1,600 sq m cemetery was found at the reservoir's north-west corner, where B.P. Groslier excavated mortuary jars holding cremated remains and artifacts from the reign of Udayadityavarman II. Archaeologists also uncovered a basement beneath the water, which suggests a temple may once have stood on an artificial island in the middle of the baray.