Forest Sanctuary

The inner courtyard of Prasat Prei with the central sanctuary in the middle

Prasat Prei means Forest Sanctuary, though the temple today is exposed on a small rise and surrounded by trees, close to the temple of Preah Khan. The photo above shows the central cruciform sanctuary in the centre - topped by a tower of four receding tiers and a blooming lotus on top - with a laterite and sandstone library to the left - in the southeast corner and opening to the west - and the corner of the laterite gopura, which is in ruins on the right. Typical decoration includes devatas in niches, windows with balusters and blinds and an abundance of foliage and geometric patterns on the walls and doorjambs. The standard of the lintels and pediments in situ is poor by comparison with the other temples on the Secrets tour as many have been defaced. Nevertheless, here's a few examples.

The pediment has been defaced to show only a row of worshippers and the kala lintel has also been altered

I thought this devata might be a contestant for 'wicked witch of the west' - she looked a bit evil

Another low quality pediment with two rows of acolytes and a defaced kala lintel

A small representation of a dancing Shiva in a niche