Being built in the middle of 10th century, Pre Rup was the state temple of King Rajendravarman of Khmer Empire. It is done in a form of temple mountain with using of laterite, sandstone and brick. It’s name can be translated as ‘turn the body’ that represents ancient Khmer beliefs of burning ceremonial.
It is located to the south from the East Baray and stands on the north-south axis of East Mebon temple. Pre Rup is very well-known by its reddish colours heightened by early morning and late evening sunshine. Traditionally, the temple has square form and two walls that surround it. Its basement has sides of 117 meters (N-S direction) and 127 meters (W-E). A laterite causeway leads to entrance from the east and is, for a great pity, cut by a modern road. There are four gopuras on the entrance with brick section in the middle. On the other side there were three towers, one of which was never built or was dismantled later. Going further, there was a library that led to other side of platform. Near the entrance there is a stone ‘cistern’ which, due to different thoughts, was the basement of bronze Nandi statue or cremation ceremonial place.
Pre Rup was a temple dedicated to Hindu god Shiva and was located on the end of the city. Unfortunately, no dwellings survived and there is a lot of work for archeologists.
