Tep Pranam

Tep Pranam is a Buddhist temple within Angkor Thom featuring a large cruciform terrace at ground level. A monumental Buddha statue seated on a lotus base occupies the center, accessible via a long causeway made of reddish stone.

King Yasovarman I built this shrine in the 9th century as a Buddhist place of worship. Subsequent rulers added decorative elements such as serpent railings and guardian lions over the following centuries.

Buddhist monks in orange robes regularly visit to pay respects at the main statue, keeping the site an active place of worship. This ongoing spiritual practice connects the temple to centuries of religious traditions in the region.

The site lies within the Angkor Archaeological Park, roughly 150 meters east of Preah Palilay and accessed by walking along a stone causeway. Comfortable shoes are recommended due to the uneven terrain, and early morning visits help avoid heat and crowds.

A community of Buddhist nuns lives in a wooden building adjacent to the temple grounds, maintaining religious practices that extend back generations. This presence transforms the site into a living center of faith beyond its role as an archaeological location.