Excavation and restoration works start on 1,000-year-old Veal Phtei temple

[geovalin]

To restore the splendid structure of the more than 1,000-year-old Veal Phtei temple, the Apsara Authority last Friday has started the excavation and preservation works. The temple which has undergone massive structural damages over the years is located in the middle of the Baray of Beng Mealea temple, one of the most mysterious temples at Angkor, in Beng Mealea commune, Svay Loeu district, Siem Reap province.

 

Apsara Authority deputy director-general Kim Sothin, said yesterday that the site excavation and repair of the Veal Phtei temple is being done with the financial support of Mao Malay, who is the wife of  Deputy Prime Minister Ke Yimyan. Sothin said that the excavation works is to ascertain the possibility of restoring the Veal Phtei temple and conserve it for the next generation.

 

He added that the temple which has a square-shaped laterite foundation and sandstone remnants has a statue of Buddha, or Vishnu being borne by the bird god Garuda. “According to research, this Veal Phtei temple may have been built to respect and dedicate to Brahmanism during the reign of King Suryavarman II or to Buddhism during the reign of King Jayavarman VII,” said Sothin.

 

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