The Compassionate symbolism of the Cat Temple

The name Prasat Banteay Chhmar original meaning was mini citadel temple. In modern Khmer its name can be translated Temple of cats, as Chhmar means cat.

A figure frequent in carvings and bas-reliefs here is the Lokeshvara, the compassionate Bodhisattva. In Mahayana Buddhism Lokeshvara is the ideal of compassion, as he elected not to reach perfect enlightenment as Buddha. Instead, he decided to help others struggling or suffering on their way to Buddhahood.

Lokeshvara was given eleven heads to better hear the suffering of humans, and a thousand arms so he could reach out and help all of them. He is often depicted with a lotus in one of his left hands.

The great god king Jayavarman VII was Mahayana Buddhist emperor, and the worship of Lokeshvara reached a peak during his reign. Several of the buildings built during his reign uses the Lokeshvara frequently.

Prasat Banteay Chhmar is one of the largest temples built in JVIIs time off the main imperial capital city Angkor Thom. It is famous for having many of the most exquisite versions of Lokeshvara depictions. This Lokeshvara in the photo is one of four depictions on the west side.

This temple is situated far west in today’s Cambodia, along the Angkor Khmer Highway, the main road connecting the main cities in the Khmer Angkor Empire.

Prasat Banteay Chhmar is 3 hours’ drive out of Siem Reap. Suitable for a daytrip, but there are lodgings nearby. Sisophon town is 63 km away. This temple is approximately 20 km east of the Thai border.

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The mini citadel temple in Banteay Meanchey

Despite the name, the temple complex of Prasat Banteay Chhmar is one of the largest building works from the time of Jayavarman VII. This newly cleared covered walkway between the entrance building and the first temple to the west of the temple is an example of the building style of the era.

Including the great god kings face covering some of the towers in the central parts. Like what is done in Bayon State Temple in the centre of Angkor Thom.

Banteay Chhmar can be directly translated to “Mini/small fortress”. It is situated in Banteay Meanchey province, meaning The Fortress of Victory. This temple is situated far west in today’s Cambodia, but it is situated along the Angkor Khmer Highway, the main road connecting the main cities in the Khmer Angkor Empire together. This temple was directly connected to Angkor Thom via this highway.

Banteay Chhmar, along with its many satellite shrines and dried out reservoir (Baray), comprises one of the most important and least understood archaeological complexes from Cambodia's Angkor period.

It has been under careful and extensive restoration for the last ten years. This has uncovered buildings in the style of the great kings other buildings. There are some detailed decorated friezes and pilasters, and outer walls with extensive bas-reliefs.

Prasat Banteay Chhmar is 3 hours’ drive out of Siem Reap. Suitable for a daytrip, but there are lodgings nearby. Sisophon town is under one hour away with more lodging’s alternatives and small city offerings of food, drinks and shopping.

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