Banteay Srei is a Hindu temple constructed of red sandstone in the 10th century c.e. during the reign of Rajendravarman II. It was actually built by a courtier named Yajnavaraha, who was a scholar, philanthropist, counselor to king Rajendravarman II and helper of the poor and sick. Banteay Srei is the only Ankgorian temple not built by a king.
The buildings of Banteay Srei are much smaller than the buildings of most of the other temples we saw. The beautiful wall decorations, such as the bas-reliefs are elaborate and finely detailed. Perhaps the more modest and reasonable scope of this temple and its finely detailed decorations contributed to naming the temple Banteay Srei (Citadel of Women).
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