Preah Pithu V (Duan Mea Temple)

Preah Pithu V, or Duan Mea Temple, is an early 12th Century Hindu temple located in Angkor Thom. It is part of what is known as the Preah Pithu Group which references five temples that are clustered together, although, not necessarily constructed at the same time. The site does not feature a foundation inscription and is dated by its art style, of a high standard but uncompleted in places, attributed to the height of the classical period around the era of Angkor Wat.

Duan Mea is located centrally in the group built atop an earthen mound with a large terrace/raised causeway providing a grand entrance to its west. The terrace, with beautiful round columns similar to that of Baphuon, Beng Mealea, Chau Say Tevoda, Banteay Samre, and the terrace in the Royal Palace. Researchers still debate as to whether it was added later or constructed at the same time as the temple proper. Some research, noted at the bottom of the page, suggests it was constructed in the late or post-Bayon era.

The temple itself is a little unusual, it is built on a cruciform plan with a hall or mandapa leading eastward, yet, the site features a raised causeway meeting the terrace mentioned earlier on its western side. It also has steps and features open entrances on its north and south side. Also, on its eastern side, monumental stone pillars can be seen disrupted from their original placement, meaning there is a bit more to consider about the site’s original plan and layout or later modifications.

In its northern wing of the cruciform, it houses a large sandstone linga that perhaps once occupied the center of the shrine with a pedestal base. Notably, the site does not feature large devata carvings or roundels/medallions in its styling while some others in the Preah Pithu group do. The site features some very beautifully executed decorations.

References and further reading

• Uchida, Etsuo & Sato, K. & Cunin, O. & Toyouchi, K.. (2013). A Reconsideration of the Construction Period of the Cruciform Terraces and the Elevated Causeways in the Angkor Monuments, Based on the Magnetic Susceptibility of the Sandstone Blocks*. Archaeometry. 55. 10.1111/j.1475-4754.2012.00717.x.