Wat Prasat Preah Theat

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Wat Prasat Preah Theat
Native Nameវត្តប្រាសាទព្រះធាតុ
Alternative namePrasat Preah Theat, Wat Preah Theat
BA#C1502002
CISARK#364
IK#290.01
SizeMedium
ConditionRuin
TypeTemple
Location
VillageTrampear
CommuneSrae Sdok
DistrictKandieng
ProvincePursat
CountryCambodia
Coordinates12.66151, 103.93502
History
FoundedMid to late 10th Century
Builder(Rajendravarman II) (?)
Art StylePre Rup
MaterialSandstone, Laterite
ReligionHindu
DeityShiva



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Site Size & Condition: Medium Ruin Wat Prasat Preah Theat (វត្តប្រាសាទព្រះធាតុ - Pronounced: What Pra-saht Prayer Tee-at)

Another highly unusual Pursat site, this active Buddhist monastery, located 15 kms north of the provincial capital, is constructed atop an earlier temple with the recently built vihara sitting on an ancient laterite terrace.

Of the original temple, some foundations are visible, while the only standing structures are 2 tall, round pillars built out of interlocking sandstone discs. These unique features apparently correspond to the east entrance of the ancient site and now find themselves on either side of the entrance stairs of the modern worshipping hall. The discs are approximately 1 metre in diameter but of varying thicknesses with square sockets holding each block to the ones below and above. Today they are some 4 metres high although numerous round discs are also on the ground. (Either the original columns were much taller or, more likely, there were 2 additional ones.)

The only comparable features we can recall on Angkorian temples are the pillars on the 2 storey structure at Preah Khan although in this case no bases or cornices can be seen. A Pre Rup period lintel formerly sat on the ground by the pillars, although we are not certain it is still in situ, while a pair of lion statues also frame the vihara steps. (The latter are in suspiciously good condition, painted gold and may be more recent?)

Colonettes, pedestals and a yoni plinth are among other artifacts scattered around the site while a substantial-sized man-made pond is located immediately east of the temple. Going on the scant evidence of lintel and linga plinth alone we're guessing at a mid to late 10th-century Hindu temple but, as stated, the design is highly unique and perplexing.


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