Banteay Kdei

Temple in Siem Reap

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Clay Gilliland

Banteay Kdei, meaning “Citadel of Chambers”, also referred to as the “Citadel of Monks’ Cells,” is a Buddhist temple located in Angkor, Cambodia. Positioned southeast of Ta Prohm and east of Angkor Thom, the temple was constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, between the mid-12th and early 13th centuries AD. Built in the Bayon architectural style, it is similar in design to Ta Prohm and Preah Khan, although it is smaller and less complex. The temple’s structures are enclosed by two successive walls and feature two concentric galleries, with towers emerging from them and a cloister positioned to the east.

Over the centuries, Banteay Kdei fell into disrepair due to poor construction and the use of low-quality sandstone, but restoration efforts are underway. The temple was occupied by monks at various times until the 1960s.

Geography and Location

Banteay Kdei is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, which spans 400 square kilometers (150 sq mi). The ancient city of Angkor, during the Khmer Empire, covered a vast area of 1,000 square kilometers (390 sq mi). To reach the temple, visitors travel along a 600-meter path leading from the east gopura of Ta Prohm to the west entrance of Banteay Kdei. The temple lies approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) east of Angkor Thom.

History and Construction

The name “Banteay Kdei” is derived from the earlier name “Kuti,” mentioned in the Sdok Kak Thom inscription. This inscription recounts Jayavarman II’s arrival in the area, where he granted an estate and village called Kuti to the royal chaplain, Sivakaivalya. The Khmer Empire, which lasted from 802 to 1431 AD, saw the construction of numerous grand temples, particularly during the reign of Suryavarman II, and later, Jayavarman VII. Jayavarman VII, often regarded as the “Great Builder,” constructed numerous temples, including Banteay Kdei, during the 12th and 13th centuries. The temple was built on the site of an earlier 10th-century structure created by Rajendravarman. It is one of the first temples built by Jayavarman VII, constructed in 1181 AD opposite the Srah Srang reservoir.

Banteay Kdei shares several architectural similarities with Angkor Wat, suggesting that it was built around the same time. The temple, once used for Buddhist monastic purposes, fell into neglect after the fall of the Khmer Empire, becoming overgrown with vegetation until it was cleared in the 1920s. The restoration efforts were guided by Henri Marchal and Ch. Battuer, following a conservation approach called “anastylosis.” In 2001, a cache of Buddhist statues and metal art pieces was discovered at the site, providing valuable insights into the temple’s history. The temple is now under ongoing restoration.

The Banteay Kdei appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Siem Reap!

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