Central Shrine

Banteay Srei (plan)

The temple platform supports three shrines, laid out in a row from north to south. The central shrine, with its connecting mandapa (entrance hall), is seen here from the east. The north shrine is at photo right. The north shrine was dedicated to Vishnu, while the central and south shrines were dedicated to Shiva.

Currently (2004), access to the temple platform is not permitted; visitors must circumambulate a walkway which parallels the first enclosure. This is a practical response to the small dimensions of the temple, which would otherwise be swamped by crowds of visitors. Restricting people to the walkway delivers unobstructed views of the temple, as seen here, although it prevents a close view of the reliefs; thus, binoculars are essential when visiting the site.