Preah Khan (Sacred Sword) was built in the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII. Originally it was a Buddhist monastery and school for approximately 1000 monks. King Jayavarman VII lived here for a short time while his permanent home in Angkor Thom was being rebuilt. Preah Khan is similar in architectural style to its sister temple Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm was dedicated to Jayavarman VII's mother while Preah Khan was dedicated to his father.
Roots from the big Banyon tree appear to swallow parts of the temple. Nature was conquered to create the temple - nature now is reclaiming it
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