01Back to Angkor
Rajendravarman II took the throne in 944 and returned the capital to Angkor. He built the East Mebon on an island in the great eastern reservoir in 953, and Pre Rup due south of it, on the same north–south line. Pre Rup is a temple mountain of three laterite tiers topped by five brick towers in a quincunx, the central one for the king’s linga, Rajendrabhadreshvara. The sandstone lintels and false doors carry fine carving of Shiva, Vishnu and the guardians of the directions, and the brick once held a coat of carved stucco, some of which survives on the towers.
02‘Turning the body’
The name Pre Rup is modern Khmer and means turning the body. Cambodians long believed funerals were held here, the ashes of the dead being turned in different directions during the rites, and a stone tank in the east court is still pointed out as the place. Scholars are not agreed on this, but the name has stayed. The red of the laterite and brick is at its deepest in the first and last hour of the day, and the view from the top runs across the forest to the East Mebon.
The life of this place
- 944Rajendravarman II becomes king and returns the capital to Angkor.
- 953The East Mebon is consecrated.
- 961–962Pre Rup is dedicated to Shiva.
On the Grand Circuit, about 7 km east of Angkor Wat; a popular sunrise and sunset spot. Included in the Angkor pass.
