Srah Srang (the royal bathing pool)
Srah Srang (the royal bathing pool). Date: (embarkation terrace) Late 12th century.
King: Jayavarman VII.
Across the road from the east entrance of Banteay Kdei, Srah Srang was built by Jayavarman VII at the end of 12th century and dedicated to Buddhism. It is a large lake measuring 700m by 300m with an elegant landing terrace of superb proportion and scale. A majestic platform with stairs leads to the pond. It is built of laterite with sandstone molding.
The platform is in the shape of a cross with serpent balustrades flanked two lions. At the front there is enormous Garudas riding a three headed serpents. At the back there is mythical creature comprising a three headed serpent, the lower portion of a Garuda and stylized tail decorated with small serpent head. The body of the serpent rests on a dais supported by mythical monsters. Srah Srang always has water and surrounded by greenery. According to one French archaeologist, it offers at the last rays of the day one of the most beautiful poit vie the park od Angkor.
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