Pre Rup Temple

     King Rajendravarman, who engineered the return of the capital from Koh Ker to Angkor (Yashodhara), founded Pre Rup in 961 AD. Constructed in brick and laterite, this temple was constructed slightly after the Mebon that is emplaced at the centre of the Eastern Baray and erected by the same king. Both Pre Rup and the Mebon are situated on the same north-south axis.

The central sanctuary, at the summit of a three-tiered pyramid, enshrined the linga named ‘Rajendrabhadreshvara’ that through its name was directly associated with the king who venerated the god Shiva.

The stele of Pre Rup is known to be the longest Sanskrit inscription in ancient Cambodia and was not found in the usual place at the immediate northeast corner of the lower level, but rather nearby within a building not far distant. The inscription itself is today stored at the Angkor Conservation.

This monument of admirable proportions has suffered due to the ravages of time. Some breaches in the walls and other collapsed sections as they are in brick, pose particularly delicate technical problems for restoration. Elaborate technical choices for the reconsolidation of these structures have been undertaken that are not necessarily spectacular in the view of the casual visitor. Without a doubt, the restored sections of Pre Rup are excellent models of restoration techniques in brick.