Preah Rup

Within the east gopura (entry tower), there are five of six remaining brick towers crowding the corridor between the first and second enclosure. These were likely constructed later, perhaps by Jayavarman V, as were a number of long galleries running parallel to the inner walls.

As you enter the second enclosure, before reaching the steep eastern stairway that leads up to the quincunx of upper towers, there is a rectangular sandstone ‘box’ that some believe to have served as a crematorium. A ritual performed in cremation ceremonies lent itself to the modern name of the temple. As there is no hard evidence that cremations occurred at the site, it may also be possible that this was originally a pedestal for a statue of the bull Nandi, which often sit at the base of temples consecrated to Shiva. The remains of small pillars surrounding the ‘box’ would have supported a roof above it, another interesting design feature that adds to the mystery of this unique temple feature.

Beyond the ‘box,’ a series of stairs leads to a narrow third platform, where 12 small, brick towers face east; too small to safely explore, pass the lion statues and continue to the next terrace. Atop the fourth level, four towers are situated at the corners of the platform, allowing the central sanctuary to face east without obstruction.

As in earlier temple mountains, the eastern two of the four ancillary towers are guarded by male dvarapalas, while those to the west are protected by female devas. Notice the remnants of the stucco that once decoratively covered the dvarapalas and devas that were carved in low-relief onto the brick towers. Pre Rup features a surprising number of intact bas-reliefs on its lintels, colonettes, and false doors. These reliefs are worth examining as they represent the Pre Rup style of artistic design.