Preah Pithu is located north-east of the Terrace of the
Leper King, it can be accessed by enter and leave east of the main road.
This temple was built in the first half of the 12th century (parts
of the 13th century) by Suryavarman II (reigned 1113-1150). It dedicated to
Hindu religion (dedicated to Shiva) with the art style of Angkor Wat.
BACKGROUND
The complex of Preah Pithu has only recently been cleared
and thus open to visitors. It is a delightful area to wander in and experience
the pleasure of finding hidden stones, unseen carvings and obscure alcoves. And
the proportions and decoration of the terraces are amongst the finest in Khmer
art. Most of the structures are in poor condition, but their bases remain and, from
the evidence, the buildings of Preah Pithu were of excellent quality in design,
workmanship and decoration.
LAYOUT
The Preah Pithu group consists of two cruciform terraces and
five sanctuaries situated in seemingly random order amongst enclosure walls, moats
and basins. All of the shrines are square with false doors, stand on a raised
platform and are oriented to the east. Starting from the main road, the first
temple is approached by a cruciform terrace with columns and a naga balustrade.
Beyond is an enclosure wall with gopuras on the east and west sides. The
sanctuary with four staircases stands on a plinth. Female divinities in niches
are seen in the corners. Notice the floral motif on their skirts. A second
shrine lies on the same axis and is similar in plan and decoration to the
previous one.
A third temple is situated behind the other two and to the
north. The sanctuary stands on a square terrace 4 meters (13 feet) high and 40
meters (131 feet) long on each side. Four axial stairways guarded by lions give
access to the sanctuary. Although the shrine has windows with balustrades it is
undecorated. Fragments of frontons and lintels provide evidence that it was
later used as a Buddhist sanctuary.
Continuing towards the east there is a pond where two
sculpted elephants stand on each side of a staircase. This is a particularly
serene and pleasant spot. Retrace your steps and you will find remains of a
fourth shrine on your left (south). The decoration on the pilasters of this
shrine clearly belong to the Angkor Wat period. The fifth shrine of the Preah
Pithu group is further north and comprises two buildings decorated with scenes
from the Ramayana.
