The Wat Preah Vihear, Kratie is a temple that is one of the prominent Tourist Attractions in Kratie. The Wat Preah Vihear is located east of the Dongrek Mountains in the Preah Vihear Province in northern Cambodia, near the Cambodia-Thai border. The Wat Preah Vihear, Kratie dates back to the 6th century AD.
History
The Wat Preah Vihear in Kratie was constructed by King Yasovarmamn I. It was dedicated to Lord Shisa, the protector of the peoples. Following the construction, the kingdom experienced increased political prestige, spiritual development and economic growth. The temple underwent subsequent remodeling under King Suryavarman II (1113 - 1150) who changed this small sanctuary into one of the greatest temples of all times. It depicted the highest standards of Khmer architecture.
Architecture
The Wat Preah Vihear, Kratie has four levels and four courtyards comprising five gopurams or entrance pavilions surmounted by a tower. Other parts of the temple were the royal residence when the king came to pay homage to the Lord. The two wings were shelters for the pilgrims. The main temple was used for the supreme divinities, who were worshipped in the center of the complex.
The Nagaraj Courtyard is a stone paved structure leading up to the first level gopuram. The stairs are in the form of seven headed snakes called "Ngu Suang" opposite the Prasat. The heads and tails of these snakes are an early example of this type of architecture. The head portion of the nag or snake on the west is carved from a single stone block.
The Wat Preah Vihear, Kratie is not easy to visualize as a whole. The experience is indeed memorable. The sequence of ascents over the complex, the ornate gopurams and the wealth of ornamental detail staggers the imagination.
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