Damrei Temple at Koh Ker

Prasat Damrei, or Damrei Kandoeng Temple (Khmer: ប្រាសាទដំរី​កណ្ដឹង), meaning ‘Temple of the Elephants’, was named for the elephants that once guarded the four corners of the sanctuary.

Prasat Damrei is located on the south-western side of the Trapeang Rohal Baray (reservoir), in the ancient city of Koh Ker.

This ancient Hindu temple was built in the early 10th century under Jayavarman IV (reign 921-941).

The main sanctuary, still in relatively good condition, stands on a high platform with a staircase on each of its four sides.  It once housed a linga (a representation of Shiva).  The stairs were once flanked by eight stone lion sculptures of which only one remains.  At each of the four corners of its main sanctuary, four exquisitely carved elephants once stood guard.  Unfortunately, only two remain today - one of the missing two elephants can be found in the National Museum in Phnom Penh, and the other at the Musée Guimet in Paris.

The sanctuary's lintel shows Indra on a three-headed Airavata.

There are also ruins of two brick libraries and two small laterite gates, the eastern gate has inscriptions on its door jambs.

Map of Prasat Damrei