Angkor temples

Preah Khan

A temple north of Angkor Thom and east of Neak Pean, constructed by Jayavarman VII (1181-1219), may have been a temporary residence for king Jayavarman VII while he was rebuilding Angkor Thom after the Chams attacked it in 1177. It was built in 1191 on the place where the king won a crucial battle against the Chams and was dedicated to the king's father. The site, measuring 800 metres on 700 metres is surrounded by a moat.

The main shrine has been renovated and is richly decorated with lintels, panels and bas-reliefs, depicting Buddhist and Hindu epics. The unique two-storey columned building in the southwest corner of the building was the place dedicated to human sacrifices.

Preah Khan was a royal city on its own, spanning 56 hectares. It's name meaning 'sacred sword' refers to the legend that king Jayavarman II (802-850) left his successor a sword, Preah Khan, which his descendents guarded until it disappeared in Khmer Rouge times.

It is believed there was a hospital inside but that hospital has not been discovered yet. A traveller's resting place however still exists.