Ruins of Angkor - Banteay Samre

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Right: Banteay Samre (temple of the Samres) The Samres were an indegenous people who inhabited the region at the foot of the Kulen Hills. Banteay Samre was built in the early 12th century during the reigns of Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II. Located beyond the outer circuit a trip to Banteay Samre can be combined with visits to Banteay Srei and Kbal Spean. The temple is constructed of a similar sandstone to that used at Banteay Srei.

The temple tells of the accession to the throne of a poor farmer of Samre origin. The farmer, named Pou, had acquired some magical seed from which he grew sweet cucumbers. Pou offered his first harvest of the cucumbers to the king who found them of such succulence that he secured exclusive rights, giving the farmer license to kill any man or beast that entered his field. It so happened that one time during the rainy season when cucumbers were scarce the impatient monarch came in search of them. Arriving after nightfall the king was mistaken for a thief and struck dead by Pou who then buried him in the field, still unaware of his true identity.

As the king died without having any heir, officials resorted to methods of divination to choose a successor. The "Victory Elephant" chose Pou by stopping before him, saluting and raising him up onto it's back.

Below: Denizens of Banteay Samre

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