Stupa of the cenrtal of Preah Khan
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Preah Khan is one of the few
monuments to have kept its original name. The founding stele
is written entirely in Sanskrit with the name of the temple
expressed as Jayacri.
During the Middle Period, a stupa (see photograph) was erected
in place of Lokesvara in the central sanctuary. This had
the advantage of symbolising Buddhism in all its forms.
The name Jayacri or Preah Khan means "sacred sword"
which was at the same time the coronation name of its royal
constructor.
More than a single temple , the monument was in its time
a real city with a whole population divided according to
their functions. The temple was also a site of Buddhist
studies with its retinue of spiritual masters and their
disciples.
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