Svay Ier Temple

Also noted as Svay Ie, Svay Loe, Bei Serei Sithor, and Wat Prasat Sirisotha. On the grounds of the contemporary monastery and pagoda is a standing brick temple, circa 10th century, that was once a group of three.

The ancient temple sits tightly against the rear of the contemporary pagoda and is partially encapsulated by the platform of the pagoda that surrounds it. So close to the pagoda that it’s hard to get a good look at the impressive lintel featuring Indra on the elephant Airvata that remains in situ above the eastward opening door that’s topped by a frieze of worshipers. It’s an interesting representation too, with both Indra and the elephant striking quite joyous poses. Other sides of the brick prasat feature false doors formed by brickwork also repeating on the three remaining false floors of the temple.

Inside, there are further remnants including a large overturned pedestal also noting the alcove above the lintel.

Around the site, you can also see pedestals for sema stones which are most surely a remnant from an era later than the construction of the ancient temple but well before the construction of the current pagoda. Sema stones positioned around the pagoda itself depict Neang Konghing.

There is also a small neak ta shelter with more remnants including the feet of two small statues, and please be sure to peek inside the pagoda for a look.

Historical Notes

Prasat Svay ler or Svay Ea. southwest of Ampil Roloeum, is the name currently given to a small monument which included three brick towers, the two sides of which are completely ruined. The central tower, still standing, is decorated with a lintel covered with beautiful sculptures which represented a Brahmanic god dancing on an elephant supported by the head of the monster Rahu. From this head emerged two lions, whose open mouths held the stems of the flowers which surrounded half a dozen worshipers

Le Cambodge, 1900, E. Aymonier

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..