Angkor temples

Preah Palilay

Follow the path behind Tep Pranam: this will lead you to a two-level royal terrace with a modern Buddhist shrine north of Phimeanakas. At the head of that terrace lies a tower, partially in ruin with some very picturesque trees growing out of its sloping base. The jungle around Preah Palilay is peaceful and makes for a nice walk.

The temple, in the style of Angkor Wat, was built by the end of the 12th century under king Jayavarman VII (1181-1219). The tower is nicely decorated with Buddhist scenes with Hindu Deities sculpted on the pediments. The lintels and pediments, scattered on the grounds offer a rare opportunity to admire bas-reliefs at eye level. Only the central sanctuary remains intact.

The large seated Buddha in front of the temple is from later date.

The presence of Buddhist monks and nuns at this temple give it a feeling of an active place of worship.