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The temple complex of Angkor
Banteay Kdei (1186) or
'The Citadel of the Cells'

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24-Aug-2005
Last Edited

"Nor does it seem that Seller's "code" is confined to mythology.  In the jungles of Kampuchea the temple complex of Angkor looks as it could have been purpose-built as a precessional metaphor.  It has, for example, five gates to each of which leads a road bridging the crocodile-infested moat that surrounds the whole site.  Each of these roads is bordered by a row of gigantic stone figures, 108 per avenue, 54 on each side (540 statues in all) and each row carries a huge Naga serpent.  Furthermore, as Santillana and von Dechend point out in Hamlet's Mill, the figures do not 'carry' the serpent but are shown to 'pull' it, which indicates that these 540 statues are 'churning the Milky Ocean'.  The whole of Angkor 'thus turns out to be a colossal model set up with true Hindu fantasy and incongruousness' to express the idea of precession." 
 -  pages 260-261

 "Fingerprints of the The Gods" by Graham Hancock. "The Evidence of Earth's Lost Civilization"

Photo Gallery 1

Photo Gallery 2

A Chronology

Angkor Map

The Angkor Temples
* Diagrams also

Angkor Wat *
(1113-1150 A.D.)

Phnom Bakeng *
(9th-10th Century)

Angkor Thom
(1190-1210 A.D.)

Baksei Chamkrong
(947 A.D.)

Banteay Kdei
or the Citadel of
the Cells (1186 A.D.)

Banteay Samre
(1150-1175 A.D.)

Banteay Srey
the Citadel of
Women (967 A.D.)

Banyon Temple
(1190 A.D.)

Baphuon

Beng Mealea

Chau Say Tevoda
and Thommanon (1190 A.D.)

Eastern Mebon and Eastern Baray

Gopura or entry towers

Neak Pean
(1190-1210 A.D.)

Northern and Southern Khleangs (967 A.D.)

Phimeanakas
(1000-1025 A.D.)

Prasat Kravan
(10th Century)

Pre Rup
(961 A.D.)

Preah Khan,
the Labyrinth

Preah Pallilay
(end of the
12th century)

Preah Pithu

The Roluos Group
(850-893 A.D.)
   * Preah Ko Temple
   * Bakong Temple
  *  Lolei Temple

Royal Palace

Srah Srang
(1190-1210 A.D.)

Ta Keo *

Ta Nei
(12th Century)

Ta Prohm
(1186 A.D.)

Ta Som
(1190-1210 A.D.)

Tep Pranan
(late 9th century)

Terrace of the Elephants
(1190-1210 A.D.)

Terrace of
the Leper King
(1190-1210 A.D.)

Also built by Jayavarman, Banteay Kdei follows the Ta Prohm monastic pattern.  A small paved terrace leads to the sanctuary's twin courtyards. In the center of the courtyards are mysterious square pillars with handles the significance of which still torments archaeology students today.  Similar pillars can also be seen in Ta Prohm and Preah Khan.  Recently a large quantity of Buddha images were found underground, buried for unknown reasons.  Restoration work is presently underway at the site.

Another Description:

Middle of the 12th Century to beginning the 13th Century
by Jayavarman VII (reigned 1181-1220)

Banteay Kdei, on the shore of Srah Srang, was built as a Buddhist monastic complex by Jayavarman II. Due to the poor building material used to construct it - low quality sandstone that is prone to crumbling. In addition, poor craftsmanship contributed to Banteay Kdei's dilapidated condition today.

It is similar in style to Ta Prohm a stone's throw away, but smaller, less ornate (at least, judging from what remains to be seen) and less overtaken by nature. A typical visit begins at the East Gopura near Srah Srang, , walking from east to west, across the compound, through the ruins, and out again, through to the gopura on the other side.