Prasat Kravan – Vishnu Temple in Angkor, Cambodia
Prasat Kravan is worth a visit if you have taken the 3 day ticket to visit Angkor Temples Siem Reap Cambodia. This is one of the few Lord Vishnu Temple in Angkor Cambodia. But including this in your itinerary of 1 day tour may take up some of the limited time. However I leave it to your judgement after reading this post and seeing the pics.
Do check: Is it Possible to Tour Ankor in One Day?
Prasat Kravan Vishnu Temple Angkor
Brief History
In 927AD Mahidharavarman constructed this set of temples. He was a high official in the court of King Harshavarman I. One can see several inscriptions mentioning this in the 2nd, 3rd and 5th tower of this set of temples. Mahidharavarman dedicated the central tower to Hindu God Lord Vishnu. This form of Lord Vishnu was known by the name Trailokyanatha.
While King Harshavarman was ruling in Angkor, his uncle established a rival capital in Koh Kher. His uncle established another temple Prasat Thom, dedicated to Lord Shiva in Koh Kher. Lord Shiva in Prasat Thom was called Tribhuvaneshwara. Both temples were built simultaneously. Names of people who worked in these temples are inscribed in the walls. The fine brick works here are the only known examples of their kind in Angkor area.
Prasat Kravan translates to Temple Cardamom (creeper of sweet smelling flower). The temple derived this name after the tree that stood there once.
Prasat Kravan Vishnu Temple Angkor
Central Tower Prasat Kravan with receding layers of ceiling.
Architecture of Prasat Kravan
This set of temples is very unimpressive from its exteriors but the neat manner they stood charmed me as we crossed it in full speed. We requested the tuk tuk driver to halt and take a U turn back to the temple. “Nobody goes there ma’am” was his reply. Prasat Kravan hardly has any crowd and that gives a full opportunity to take the tour at leisure.
The 5 temples stand on a lateritic platform, only the central tower has its ceiling intact. A French team helped restore this temple completely in 1960s. Some new bricks marked with initials CA (conservation Angkor) were used.
No mortar was used in construction; instead a vegetable compound was used by the locals then. It is impressive to note that whatever remains are still standing strong for 10 centuries.
Lintel in south tower of Prasat Kravan Siem Reap
Fine designs carved on octagonal pillars of Prasat Kravan
The door frames have inscriptions. Sadly so much of these have worn off. The steps leading to the temple are very narrow and tourists hold on the frames during their movement.
Unless care is taken the inscriptions will disappear fast. The lintels have got some touch up and have some impressive figures. Most noteworthy are the designs on the octagonal columns.
Bas Reliefs in the Interiors of Prasat Kravan
All the five temples are arranged in a single row, facing east. Of these only the northernmost tower and central tower has elaborate work in the interiors. The other 3 sanctuaries have bare interiors.
North Tower
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi consort of Lord Vishnu. She has devotees seated at her feet praying to her. The right wall too has an image of her. However in the left wall most part of her image is missing only her feet remains.
Goddess Lakshmi in North Tower of Prasat Kravan in Angkor
Central Tower
Lord Vishnu is depicted here in 3 different positions. In the left wall Lord Vishnu is seated on Garuda his vaahan(vehicle), holding 4 attributes – Earth, conch, sudarshan chakra (discus) and baton. Most impressive is the central wall. He is shown standing flanked on all sides by figures of devotees. The right wall has Lord Vishnu in Vaman avatar. (Lord Vishnu takes 3 steps to span the universe and to ensure the Gods of possession of whole world.)
Picture of interiors of Central tower of Prasat Kravan
The gap between 2 towers of Prasat Kravan in Angkor
Travel Tips to Prasat Kravan
- Visit this temple in the morning. The rising sun rays illuminate the interiors magically and good photography is possible.
- Tour time is half an hour.
- This is a must visit in 3 day tours and 7 day tours of Angkor Temples.
More pictures of Prasat Kravan in Angkor
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Thanks for pointing the interesting details inside Prasat Kravan: I have visited Siem Reap and the temples before but I never got such a detailed historical overview. I can’t believe this architectural jewel is still here to be experienced by present civillization.
The architecture here is so lovely. In some manner, they resemble the Indian architecture and engravings. It is good to read this and learn more details of it. For instance, the way it got its name, The sculptures too are quite exquisite. Would definitely want to visit this
I had taken the 3-day pass in Siem Reap, which I felt to be too less to explore the majestic temples! But I managed to visit Prasat Kravan, and like the other wonderful monuments in this area, I loved this smaller but prominent temple. The marvellous and the intricately carved sculptures and designs blew my mind! It is really amazing, right?
The Prasat Kuravan Vishnu temple looks really devastated. I agree with your suggestion of visiting it in the morning. It definitely will look amazing when lit up and will make some good photography options. I like the way you elaborate on temples in your post.
I appreciate you took the time to take a look at these temples from so many vantage points, and review the detailing and even asking the tuk tuk driver to stop and take notice. It is a beautiful temple especially the Lord Vishu carvings in the central tower. Great post.
Is Prasat Kravan less crowded if compared to the Angkor Temples? The 5 temples look pretty beautiful and from your pictures they also seem to be very quiet, so they’d make an interesting day trip if that’s the case!
We have not yet visited Cambodia. I love to stop at spots that other people says nobody visits. The Prasat Kraven temple certainly looked like it was worth the stop. I loved the view of the carvings on the interior walls.
It was great reading the story behind this temple. I knew very little about it when I visited. An excellent tip to visit in the morning, I struggled with photos later in the day as it was quite dark.
Beautiful temple! Just love to discover these little jewels when I’m visiting a country. As to know that so many people don’t even bother to see it. The interiors are magnificent. Thanks for showing it to the world!
Wow I have been to Angkor wat but had no idea about this temple or its history. Thanks for bringing this Vishnu temple into the limelight, Indrani. Great post.
What beautiful temples. I skipped Cambodia while in the region a while back, but Siem Reap/Angkor Wat is certainly on my itinerary for that elusive “next time.”
Oh wow! The details and bas reliefs inside Prasat Kravan look amazing! I live in Cambodia and have been to Angkor Wat many times, but hadn’t heard of this temple. Now I really want to go the next time we’re in Siem Reap. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I missed this temple in the Angkor Complex the last time I was there. I won’t make that mistake again! Luckily, I’m heading back there this fall!
Siem Reap is high on my bucketlist, though I hadn’t heard of Prasat Kravan – thanks for the heads up on inculding a visit with the 3 day ticket to visit Angkor Temples – I don’t think they look unimpressive from the exterior at all, I’m quite fascinated by the stunning intricacy of the carvings throughout the temples. Incredible architecture that you don’t see these days. Thanks for sharing your photos and tips!
It’s beautiful! So much detail, would love to see this
Angkor Wat is really aamazing. I like the history behind it as well as the idea of how they were able to preserve all this.
Beautiful pictures. These temples sure can come alive whilst walking through them listening to a guide. One almost feels enriched as you leave. Don’t know if it’s just me who feels that way!
How amazing that no one goes to Prasat Kravan! The architecture and detail in the carvings are so amazing – although it’s sad that the carvings are being worn away. I’ve heard so much about the Angkor temples – it looks like they really live up to the hype!
What a terrific find! We didn’t see this temple but we did manage to find a few hidden ones of our own at Angkor. The touristy temples are amazing but there’s something special about finding the forgotten ones!
What a great find! We didn’t see this temple at Angkor but we did discover a little hidden one in the woods that we loved. The unseen temples have so much to offer – for people doing a three-day ticket, spend the final day just exploring and discovering! So fulfilling.
So much fascinating detail in this post. i love your pictures and I can’t believe it’s still so in tact after 10 centuries. Impressive!
Wow, the detail at this temple is absolutely incredible. Hard to believe that such craftsmanship took place so many years ago! Visiting the temples in Angkor has been high on my wish list for a long time. Thanks for sharing your experience and tips at Prasat Kravan, I’ll be sure not to miss it if making a trip to Cambodia.
WOW! I think it’s well worth the time to visit Prasat Kravan after looking at your stunning photos. Cambodia just got bumped up a couple of spot on my travel wish list, thanks for sharing:)
Prasat Kravan looks like an interesting place. It’s always fascinating to visit places with so much history.
I love the temples in cambodia, they are all so beautiful and intricate. It’s amazing.
What a beautiful temple – the details are so intricate! However I think I may have missed this in Angkor as i’m sad to say – apart from the major ones, all the others look the same in my memory.
I missed this temple when I visited the Angkor complex last year. I’l have to be sure to check it out this winter when I go back! I loved hearing the history of this! So many interesting facts!
How interesting. It’s unbelievable that people so very long ago knew how to build things that would last through the ages. I think we should really pay attention to what they did. It looks like a beautiful place.
That looks incredible!! Love the sculptures, and it’s so interesting to read that they used a vegatable compound during construction- who knew?!
I missed visiting Angkor Vat. My friends planned a trip, but unfortunately I couldn’t join them! But I really have to plan again and go!
Thanks for this post. I’ll refer this back when I actually plan.
This place reminds me so much of the temples of Odisha! The sculptural marvel is just wow!
Such beautiful architecture ! This is definitely on my list of places to visit. Thanks for the lovely narration and beautiful pictures.
I went to these temples in 2015 and I was very impressed but after visiting the 4200 temples in Bagan, Myanmar in 2016 I was even more impressed. While Angkor is a good stop you should try to take a trip to Bagan. There are no crowds, almost all of the temples are pristine and the exteriors are far more beautiful and varied.
Angkor seems like a great place to visit! Excellent post!
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to visit this temple when I visited Angkor Wat, but I certainly want to on my next visit. All of the temples I visited were so fascinating and had their own distinct character.
This is such a unique find. I had not heard of Prasat Kravan while reading up on Angkor Wat. The bas relief in the North and Central tower are mesmerizing. Thanks for sharing
Wow, lovely temple and pictures are quite inviting.
Beautiful temple! I love the wall with the bricks shaped into the Goddess Lakshmi. <3 It's a different one than Angkor Wat and that makes this post unique in its own way 🙂
I loved the symmetry of Prasat Kravan. When we were there, there wasnt any other people so I got to explore the temple grounds in peace and in my own time. I miss Siem Reap
Beautiful temples with superbly done carvings. Having a resemblance to our belur hasan heritage structures (temples ). Being 10 centuries old and still standing tall. Superb.!
Your photos of Prasat Kravan are good. Like you said, the exteriors do not look impressive but you have captured the best angles of the temple. It is small and probably it will take less than 30 minutes to have a tour in this area.
The temple of Prasat Kravan is fascinating. The fact that it has stood the test of time for ten centuries is a silent testimony to the skills of its architects. I absolutely loved the depiction of Vishnu on the walls of the temple.
Great photos! I wish I visit this place during my trip in SR. Hope to revisit Cambodia soon. I love its architecture 🙂
Beautiful temple! Simple to look from outside but has wonderful statues!
I love to visit places which has Great history and Architecture and this place sounds one . I have been to few temples before but never saw something like this . Thanks for sharing
such details with exceptional writing …
I must say your trip had gained another start with this post..
waiting for the next piece.
Beautiful…I would love to take my parents to the Prasat Kravan Temple sometimes soon. Will remember your tips of visiting in the morning. Love the architecture already!!
I didn’t realize there was a Vishnu temple in Cambodia. The carvings are really beautiful. A must see for when I go back one day!
I so want to do Angkor campus in Cambodia and Prambanan in Indonesia together. Sole reason being I want to compare the architecture of both places! I have heard that Angkor was an attempt to build something better than Prambanan which was a bigger religious center, and special attention was paid while creating every temple in Angkor to make sure they are not copy of any temple in and near Prambanan.
What a gorgeous place!
I do remember this temple when I went on a temple tour in Siem Reap. I didn’t know much about its history though until I read this article of yours. It is not as famous as the other temples in the Angkor Wat complex but definitely worth a visit.
Wow, it’s not often you get to read about anything other than Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It’s good you can visit Prasat Kravan on the same entry ticket. Prasat Kravan is beautiful, you photographed it brilliantly.
Thanks for this information as I am currently planning a trip to Ankor Wat so it is really useful. Your pictures are lovely and now I cant wait until I get there.
very well designed temple, We had great architects but british ruined all.
This isa great porst and good info! I am planning my trip to Cambodia now so it’s perfect. And I so agree about the morning light – it’s the best for photos.
such beautiful pictures… I love how you have clicked the details… Amazing post.
Glad to know about this temple.
Its been long time since I have been to such places. Good I see them through your lens, which consequently makes me yearn to go out and explore more. Thank you Indrani 😀
Always had Cambodia on my wish list..one of my friends visited the place last year and after seeing the picture, there has been a constant urge to make a trip there..but i had too many things on the personal front, and now relocated to Barcelona so cambodia should wait for a bit i guess… ur pictures are fabulous as always Indrani..
Wow! It’s a beautiful temple 🙂
That Bas Relief is something else. It sure is a beautiful place.
Very impressive and interesting.
Wonderful temple. Great to read. Awesome pics.
Wow, how amazing that these temples were created so intricately. I love the wall with the bricks shaped into the Goddess Lakshmi. Your advice for visiting first thing in the morning makes sense, not just for the light but also for having less crowds.
Wow, very beautiful old temple. The details are so intricate. Thank you for sharing your photos and tips!