Bantãy Srĕi is said that it must have been built by a woman and the lintels are absolutely beautifully carved rivaling the very best in Cambodian quality. It is really quite remarkable that these sand stone carvings are so well-preserved, and the depth of the carving is seen by our guides finger depth.

Bantãy Srĕi referred to as Citadel of Women is the modern name of a 10th-century Khmer temple. Considered by many to be the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art, it has a pinky sandstone color made from quartz arenite.

Begun in 967 AD, a small temple at Angkor is dedicated to Shiva. The temple is square and has entrances at the east and west, with the east approached by a causeway /see video/. The intricate decorated three central towers have male and female divinities carved in relief. The carvings are highly decorative and dedicated to Shiva the Hindu god which is one of the Trinity deities of Hinduism.

When Banteay Srei was first rediscovered it was assumed to be from the 13th century, but it was later dated to AD 967, from inscriptions found at the site.

This temple went through a rigorous anastylosis (Ancient Greek word) to resurrect the ruined temple building by using the original architectural elements to the greatest degree possible. It is my favorite temple outside the outskirts of Siem Reaps Wats, and any visit there should be early in the morning at 5h30am.

Banteay Srei is a superb and exquisite miniature Wat and is a spiritual place when its quiet and not over crowded.

Location: 25 kilometers north-east of East Mebon
King: Rajendravarman II (reigned 944-968) and Jayavarman V (reigned 968-1001)
Religion: Hindu and dedicated to Shiva