Situated 60kms west of Siem Reap, the temple of Banteay Chhmar was accomplished during the reign of Jayavarman VII in the late 12th or early 13th century. One of the temple's shrines once held an image of Srindrakumara rajaputra (the crown prince), probably a son of Jayavarman VII. The long Old Khmer inscription found at the site (K.227), and now on display in the National Museum, Phnom Penh, relates how this prince or a king (samtac) was protected on two different occasions by four royal servants, all of whom lost their lives in his defence. The inscription lists the names of these officials and informs us that their respective images were once placed in the four corners of the sanctuary. 

The temple complex was designed to reflect Hindu theology and astrology. The main towers were built on the axis of four directions encircled with rectangular walls and galleries and surrounded by the moat, representing Mount Meru, home of Shiva and axis of the universe. The main temple bears four gates flanked with images of devata and giants holding the naga snake on the four main directions (east-west and north-south) representing the sacred Hindu universe. The urbanization of Banteay Chhmar brought to life a whole complex of communities in the surrounding area -- evidence as a great and enduring masterpiece of Angkorian art and architecture. 

As you wander the ruins with your travel expert you will note Buddhist images and startling bas-reliefs of Angkorian-era life that signify its importance as a temple complex. For 800 years, the temple had remained mostly undiscovered and untouched until the late 1990’s.   The forces of nature have resulted in overgrowth and collapse and during the years of recent discovery the bas reliefs and carvings were looted excessively. Fortunately, since then things have improved with intervention by the Cambodian government, local authorities, and villagers concerned over its heritage. Partnering with the Global Heritage Fund (GHF) and Heritage Watch these bodies have dedicated their time and effort to the temple’s conservation and to the improvement in the livelihoods of the local community. 

Banteay Chhmar temple currently sits on Cambodia’s tentative list for submission as a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

A picnic lunch is included prior to the return journey back to Siem Reap.

PROGRAM CONCLUDES