Prasat Kravan Temple

There are five sanctuary towers of varying sizes, with the central tower being the most prominent and the outer towers being the smallest. All towers are oriented towards the east and are aligned along a north-south axis. Surrounding the temple is a moat.

The interiors of the towers exhibit distinctive features of Khmer architecture. Notable are the large carvings of the Hindu deities Lakshmi and Vishnu, which have been intricately sculpted into the brick walls. This style of sculpture is more typically associated with Cham monuments than with Khmer temples.

Access to the moat is provided from the west via a small causeway. Upon crossing, one can observe the five towers positioned on an elevated terrace. It is likely that an entrance gate existed at this location, although it would have been constructed from perishable materials such as wood or bamboo.

Lion statues were originally placed outside the stairways leading to each tower; however, only a few remain today, and most are not currently visible.

An inscription at the entrance of the central tower indicates that the temple was dedicated to a statue of Vishnu in the year 921 AD.

The Vishnu Bas-Reliefs
Prasat Kravan is particularly renowned for the exceptional quality of three bas-reliefs depicting Vishnu. Two of these bas-reliefs portray a four-armed Vishnu. In one, he is seated, holding a baton, discus, conch, and globe. In the other, he stands while holding the same items and appears to be taking a significant step. This bas-relief narrates the tale of Vishnu assuming the form of a dwarf named Vamana and taking three giant strides to claim the earth.

The third bas-relief features an eight-armed Vishnu, who is depicted amidst his devotees, along with the representation of a lizard.

Other Bas-Reliefs
Additionally, there are two bas-reliefs of Lakshmi located in the north tower. As the consort of Vishnu, Lakshmi is shown in both depictions surrounded by her followers. In one, she holds Vishnu’s discus and Shiva’s trident, while in the other, she is depicted with lotuses.