Svay Leu Temple

Prasat Svay Leu is an interesting site for many reasons. It is located on the contemporary monastery grounds and features an outer walled enclosure with an entrance on the east opening to a small courtyard with “library” buildings followed by another entrance gopura and walled enclosure occupied by the central shrine that has been replaced/covered with a contemporary brick building. This area has also been earthen filled to a degree in recent times. There is a courtyard surrounding the sides and rear of this area ending with the outer enclosing wall.

The outer entrance gopura is unfinished, receiving no decorative carving or features apart from its columned windows on each side.

As mentioned the courtyard preceding the next entrance features a library or annex building part laterite and part sandstone. This is entrance gopura does not feature side chambers but retains its original height and did receive some final decorative carvings.

in the enclosed area of the central shrine there are several sandstone remnants including a pedestal, a lion, numerous plinths, and a collection of later-era decorated sema stones.

As mentioned, the central shrine has been replaced or had its remnants covered by a locked brick shelter. Around the shelter, you can see numerous blocks that likely would have been part of the central shrine including an unfinished sandstone false door.

Finally, the wall itself is a little unusual being constructed entirely of sandstone and featuring a grove for some purpose of finishing feature. On the eastern side of the site, there is a small wooden shelter holding further remnants and a large basin. Immediately to the north is the contemporary pagoda.

Layout (Parmentier, 1939)

Rodney Charles LHuillier

Living in Asia for over a decade and now residing in beautiful Siem Reap. Rodney Charles L'Huillier has spent over seven years in Cambodia and is the author of Ancient Cambodia (2024) and Essential Siem Reap (2017, 2019). Contact via [email protected] - more..