The Sacred Sword of Preah Khan

This significant temple complex, within the dense jungles on the northern edge of the Angkor Archaeological Park, was commissioned by the great King Jayavarman VII in honour of his father and the Bodhisattva of universal compassion, Avalokiteshvara. Known as Preah Khan, or the Sacred Sword, the temple was erected in 1191 during the golden years of the ancient Khmer Empire. More than just a religious monument, it was a powerful symbol of filial piety and Buddhist devotion, embodying Jayavarman VII’s vision of a compassionate and enlightened rule.

This pavilion, considered an architectural masterpiece in Angkor, is a rare two-storey monument which also features unusual round columns. It is said to have housed the Royal Sacred Sword

Then known as the Holy City of Victory, Preach Khan was a powerful metropolis, with some 100,000 officials and faithful servants living and working within 138 acres of its fortified walls. Among many things, it served as a monastery, a university, a centre for progressive medical research and a temporary residence for the King during the reconstruction of his forever home in Angkor Thom. Some oral traditions refer to Preah Khan as a healing centre, where monks practiced medicinal arts. It’s believed that Jayavarman VII, who styled himself as a Bodhisattva-King, intended Preah Khan to be part of a network of healing temples.

Facing the rising sun, the temple is a large, moated monument that is accessed by a series of grand causeways flanked by richly detailed serpentine guardians. Fine carvings, delicate bas reliefs and intricate stonework pays homage to Buddhism and Hinduism, a unique representation of the Khmer’s religious devotion. Unfortunately, archaeologists blame a later king for trying to erase the monument’s original Buddhist heritage, re-consecrating Preah Khan to the principles and deities of Hinduism.

One of the most enduring legends surrounding Preah Khan is that of a mythical weapon hidden deep within its sacred grounds. Known as the Preah Khan Reach, the Khmer Royal Sacred Sword was a legendary double-edged blade, forged in divine fire and encased in a jewelled gold scabbard. Said to have been granted by the gods themselves, the sword was believed to bestow heavenly authority and invincible power, gifts that, according to legend, enabled King Jayavarman VII to defeat the invading Chams and secure his empire. Folklore claims the sacred sword was once enshrined within the temple's inner sanctum, guarded not just by stone walls but by spiritual force. It was more than a weapon, it was the ultimate symbol of divine kingship, conferring legitimacy and rule upon whoever possessed it. The Preah Khan Reach remained a potent emblem of sovereignty for centuries, until it mysteriously vanished during the chaos of the Khmer Rouge era in the 1970s. Its fate remains unknown.

As in the case of most of the original monuments, Buddha images were vandalized in the later Hindu resurgence under King Jayavarman VIII. Many stone swordsmen guards remain headless

In 1939, a French conservator uncovered a massive stone stele inscribed on all four sides, an extraordinary find that reads like a history book carved in stone. This remarkable artefact is one of the most detailed and historically significant inscriptions ever discovered from the ancient Khmer Empire. It offers a vivid account of daily life in the once thriving city surrounding the temple, capturing everything from its vibrant activities to its complex social structure. The text also lavishes praise on Jayavarman VII, celebrating his achievements as a warrior king and visionary ruler who shaped an era of cultural and spiritual transformation.

Under the stewardship of the World Monuments Fund since 1991, Preah Khan has been carefully stabilised rather than fully restored, allowing nature to weave itself back into the fabric of its ruins. Towering trees and thick vegetation have been granted passage through ancient corridors and crumbling walls, creating a beautiful fusion of architecture and jungle. Despite its immense historical and spiritual significance, built as both a royal tribute and a Buddhist sanctuary, Preah Khan remains one of Angkor’s most overlooked treasures. With its intricate carvings, sprawling layout and symbolic depth, the Sacred Sword endures as a powerful testament to the Khmer Empire’s architectural brilliance and its moment of profound religious transformation.

Location : Angkor Archaeological Park, Preah Khan Temple, Siem Reap Province, Kingdom of Cambodia

How to get there : Preah Khan is located about 5 kilometres northeast of the Angkor Thom complex. It forms part of the 'small circuit' tour and is best visited early in the morning, when the majority of other tourists are at Angkor Wat. A tuk tuk driver can get you around for about $50 USD per day.

Attraction Info : Admission is included with the Angkor temple pass. Entrance fees are structured to accommodate various itineraries. A 1-day pass is $37USD, a 3-day pass is $62USD and a 7-day pass at $72USD. Tickets can be purchased at the official Angkor Ticket Office or online. Generally 3 days is sufficient time to explore the area. The grounds are open between 7:30am - 5:30pm. Given its vast size, it is sensible to set aside at least an hour to properly explore this temple.

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Official Website : https://www.angkorenterprise.gov.kh/

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