Cambodia Temple #11: Banteay Kdei Temple

Banteay Kdei Temple (Prasat Banteay Kdei), signifying "A Citadel of Chambers", otherwise called "Citadel of Monks' cells ", is a Buddhist temple in Angkor site, Cambodia. It is situated southeast of Ta Prohm and east of Angkor Thom. Constructed in the mid twelfth to thirteenth centuries AD amid the rule of Jayavarman VII (who was after death given the title "Maha paramasangata pada"), it is in the Bayon architectural style, comparable in plan to Ta Prohm and Preah Khan, yet less complex and smaller. Its structures are contained inside two successive enclosure walls, and comprise of two concentric galleries from which emerge towers, preceded to the east by a cloister.  

This Buddhist religious complex is presently marred because of faulty construction and low quality of sandstone utilized as a part of its structures, and is currently experiencing redesign. Banteay Kdei had been possessed by monks at different intervals throughout the centuries till 1960s.  

Sprawling, a great extent unrestored, monastic complex in much an same style as Ta Prohm. It was initially built over the site of an earlier temple, and worked as a Buddhist monastery under King Jayavarman VII. Likewise with different works of Jayavarman VII's period, it is a firmly stuffed architectural muddle, which like Bayon, experienced a few changes in the plans at the time of construction. It was likewise constructed utilizing an inferior grade of sandstone and utilizing poor construction procedures, prompting a great part of the deterioration visible today.  

A restoration project is in progress on a significant number of the towers and corridors, and a few ranges are closed off. The establishment stele of the temple has not been discovered so there is no record of to whom it is devoted. The thirteenth century vandalism of Buddha pictures that is seen on numerous Jayavarman VII temples is quite evident on Banteay Kdei. Combine with a visit to Srah Srang, which is just opposite the east entrance.  

Geography  

The Banteay Kdei, one of the numerous Angkor temples, is situated in the Angkor Archeological Park of 300 square kilometers (120 sq mi) region. The ancient city of Angkor amid the Khymer Empire extended from Tonle Sap to the Kulen hills covering an immense range of 1,000 square kilometers (390 sq mi). The temple is approached from the east gopura of Ta Prohm along a 600 meters (2,000 ft) way. This way goes to the west gate entrance gopura of Banteay Kdei. It is 3 kilometers (1.9 mi) east of Angkor Thom.  

Why You Should Visit Banteay Kdei  

Being in an ancient temple alone and in peace is a very spiritual experience compared to elbowing your way through a crowd of gawking photographers.  

If you look for a decent area to watch the sunrise, Banteay Kdei is a magnificent choice alongside its neighbor Srah Srang. The experience of entering the temple is awesome, as a Buddhist monk or nun devotee protects a little holy place situated close to the entrance. A blessing and gift are not expected, so don't feel obligated to interact with the monk or nun if you don't wish. Photograph opportunities abound at Banteay Kdei, with its maze of overgrown halls and courtyards. 

If you hear an extremely loud chirping sound, it's not a car alarm. It is a type of cicada known for its loud noises, making the jungle encompassing Banteay Kdei almost deafening at times. Likewise, inside the shadowy corners of the temple hang exceptionally uncommon sorts of arachnids, whose colorful bodies make for astounding photographs.

History of Banteay Kdei Temple  

The Khmer Empire lasted from 802 to 1431, at first under Hindu religious beliefs up to the end of the twelfth century and later under Buddhist religious practices. It was a period when temples of greatness came to be constructed and achieved a crescendo amid the rule of Suryavarman II until 1191, and later in the twelfth– thirteenth centuries, under Jayavarman VII. Numerous Buddhist temples were manufactured, including the Banteay Kdei, from middle of the twelfth century to early thirteenth century. In spite of the fact that Jayavarman VII was credited with building numerous temples, he was likewise blamed for misusing cash on extravagant temple building projects to the expense of society and other obligations. He constructed Buddhist temples in which Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was the main divinity. This temple manufactured, adjusting to the style of the Ta Prohm and Preah Khan temples in the region amid a similar period by Jayavarman VII, yet of a smaller size, was constructed as a Buddhist religious complex on the site of a tenth century temple constructed by Rajendravarman. Some small engravings attest to the building of this temple by Jayavarman VII and the royal architect, Kavindrarimathana. 

Some beautiful pictures of Banteay Kdei temple:

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