Buddhist Terrace (Remnants) of Preah Enkosei Temple

Preah Enkosei Temple, was built (or at least restored) in the 10th century under the reign of King Rajendravarman II (r. 944-968), whilst the pagoda we see today dates to at least prior to 1941. However, the site also has a collection of sima stones in differing styles lying around in different spots, although I have no idea about their original placement, it may mean there is more to know about the Preah Enkosei story.

The sima (or sema) stones likely date to the late/post-Angkorian-era, demarcating what I refer to on this site as Buddhist Terraces, which would have predated the pagoda by some margin. They would have likely surrounded a simple wooden columned vihara, perhaps incorporating material from the 10th century temple. One in particular has “shoulders” and tapered hips, similar to one seen at Monument 52 and Monument 31, another with simple rounded corners, whilst the majority are slab-like with a leaf shape and lotus-bud crown.

Note, inside the pagoda, there are also sema stones of a later style.