Prasat Preah Palilay
| Native Name | ប្រាសាទព្រះបាលិលេយ្យ |
|---|---|
| Alternative name | Prasat Palilay |
| BA# | C1710152 |
| CISARK# | 376 |
| IK# | 478 |
| K Inscription | K.546 |
| Inscr. Location | In situ |
| Size | Medium |
| Condition | Intact |
| Type | Temple |
| Location | |
| Part of | Angkor Thom, Yasodharapura III, Angkor Thom, Angkor |
| Commune | Kok Chak |
| District | Krong Siem Reap |
| Province | Siem Reap |
| Country | Cambodia |
| Coordinates | 13.44897, 103.85525 |
| History | |
| Founded | 12th-14th Century |
| Builder | Suryavarman II, Jayavarman VII, Indravarman II (?) |
| Art Style | Angkor Wat, Bayon, Post Bayon |
| Material | Sandstone |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Deity | Buddha |
| Year/s Restored | 1937-38 |
| UNESCO Inscription | 1992 |
Prasat Preah Palilay (ប្រាសាទព្រះបាលិលេយ្យ - Pronounced: Pra-saht Prayer Pa-lee-lay)
Located in the northwest quadrant of Angkor Thom, some 400m north of Prasat Phimeanakas, the monument is of curious appearance with a unique spire-shaped main tower and despite the site being one of the younger temples within the city, it is today in poor condition. The mixture of styles, ruinous condition and shoddy early restoration work make dating problematic.
It is possible that the main temple was initially built during Suryavarman II's reign and further additions were added during the Bayon period - the eastern gopura is of classic late 12th-early 13th-century design - before suffering damage during the later Hindu backlash and restoration by a subsequent Theravada Buddhist ruler but this is, at present, merely conjecture.
To the east lie a cruciform terrace and causeway leading to a walled enclosure some 50 x 50m. A sandstone gopura in good condition and housing pediments displaying Theravada Buddhist iconography precedes the main shrine sited on a high base. (The seated Buddha image in front of the gopura is a recent addition.)
An attractive forest setting and the aforementioned pediments make the site well worth a visit.
Map Location
Image Gallery
Overview of the main shrine from the east
Buddha subduing the elephant Nalagiri
Early restoration work on this pediment
The eastern gopura seen from the east
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Historic Archive
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Nearby Sites
External Links
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References
Forgotten Temples Cambodia - Palilay Temple Cambodia