
The Srah Srang from the west platform.
Srah Srang () is a
baray at
Angkor,
Cambodia, located south of the
East Baray and east of
Banteay Kdei.
History
It was digged in the mid-10th century, by initiative of
Kavindrarimathana, buddhist minister of
Rajendravarman II. Then it was modified about year 1200 by
Jayavarman VII, who added the laterite landing-stage at its western side too, likely because the East Baray had been overwhelming by sediment and begun malfunctioning. French archeological expeditions have found a necropolis close to it..
The site
At present Srah Srang measures 700 by 350 m and is still partially flooded. As other barays, maybe there was a temple standing on an artificial island in the middle of it, as suggested by finding of a basement. The landing-stage, opposite the entrance to Banteay Kdei, is a popular site for viewing the sunrise. It is cruciform, flanked by
nāga balaustrades which end with the upright head of a serpent, mounted by a
garuda with its wings unfurled. The steps that lead down to the water are flanked by two guardian leons.