The Srah Srang from the west platform.
Stone covered quay
Srah Srang

Srah Srang (Khmer: ស្រះស្រង់, "Royal Bath") is a baray or reservoir at Angkor, Cambodia, located south of the East Baray and east of Banteay Kdei.

History

Sras Srang was dug in the mid-10th century, by initiative of Kavindrarimathana, Buddhist minister of Rajendravarman II.[1] It was modified around the year 1200 by Jayavarman VII,[2]: 125  who added the laterite landing-stage at its western side, probably because the East Baray had been overwhelmed by sediment and had begun malfunctioning.[3]

French archeological expeditions have found a necropolis close to it.[4]

The site

At present Srah Srang measures 700 by 350 m and is still partially flooded. As other barays, maybe there was a temple standing on an artificial island in the middle of it, as suggested by finding of a basement. The landing-stage, opposite the entrance to Banteay Kdei, is a popular site for viewing the sunrise. It is cruciform, flanked by nāga balustrades which end with the upright head of a serpent, mounted by a garuda with its wings unfurled. The steps that lead down to the water are flanked by two guardian lions.

A 1600 sq. meter cemetery was discovered at the north-west corner of the reservoir. Mortuary jars containing cremated remains and other artifacts dating from the reign of Udayadityavarman II were excavated by B.P. Groslier.[2]: 104 

Notes

  1. ↑ Freeman, Michael. Jacques, Claude. Ancient Angkor. River Books 2006. ISBN 974-8225-27-5. p.151
  2. 1 2 Higham, C., 2001, The Civilization of Angkor, London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, ISBN 9781842125847
  3. ↑ Dumarçay, Jacques et al. Cambodian Architecture, Eight to Thirteenth Century. 2001. ISBN 90-04-11346-0. p.100
  4. ↑ Courbin, Paul. Les fouilles du Sras Srang in Dumarçay, Jacques. Documents graphiques de la Conservation d'Angkor, 1963-1972. EFEO. 1988

References

  • Dumarçay, Jacques et al. Cambodian Architecture, Eight to Thirteenth Century. 2001. ISBN 90-04-11346-0.
  • Freeman, Michael. Jacques, Claude. Ancient Angkor. River Books 2006. ISBN 974-8225-27-5.
  • Jessup, Helen Ibbitson; Brukoff, Barry (2011). Temples of Cambodia - The Heart of Angkor (Hardback). Bangkok: River Books. ISBN 978-616-7339-10-8.

13°25′51.60″N 103°54′24.15″E / 13.4310000°N 103.9067083°E / 13.4310000; 103.9067083

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