History:

, Wat Prasat Banan is a Khmer temple complex located in Battambang Province, Cambodia and is a prominent example of the 8th century Khmer architecture. The temple dates from the late 9th century Angkorian era and is believed to represent Mount Meru, the mythical center of the Hindu and Buddhist universe. The temple is made up of several block-like structures that stand four levels tall, and is crowned by an iconic tower that is surrounded by four gopuras (entrance gates). Its importance in Khmer culture and history has earned it recognition as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. It is one of the best temple in Cambodia which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Wat Prasat Banan is an 11th-century Buddhist temple located in Battambang Province, Cambodia. 2. Built on a hill with five levels and 39 steps, Wat Prasat Banan is an early Angkorian-style temple constructed by King Udayadityavarman II. 3. It is one of the most visited temple complexes in the region. 4. Founded in 1034, it has remained an important site of Buddhist worship ever since. 5. The brick temple features some beautiful ornate carvings of apsaras, devatas, and ancient Khmer stories. 6. There are also four standing Buddha statues, placed in four different directions in the temple, all depicting the four stages of Siddhartha Gautama’s enlightenment. 7. The central prangs of the temple are Khmer-style towers, usually crowned by an ornate flaming spire. 8. Its architectural style is an important example of the decline of Hinduism and the rise of Theravada Buddhism in the region, a significant period in Cambodian history. 9. Wat Prasat Banan is in display near the western edge of Cambodia's Northern Plains, offering visitors a great view of the surrounding countryside. 10. It has been a well-preserved and carefully maintained temple for centuries and continues to be one of the most important temples in Cambodia's national heritage. Here are some facts about the Cambodia temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Cambodia

Worship Method:

Wat Prasat Banan is a Buddhist temple located in Battambang Province in Cambodia. The temple is home to the long-standing tradition of Theravada Buddhism. It is a well-known spiritual destination within the country, and regularly hosts worship rituals to honor the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. Worship sessions take place several times a day, and like other spiritual places in Cambodia, Wat Prasat Banan follows a combination of chanting, meditation, and prayer rituals. As part of the weekly cycle, there are the following types of ceremonies: • Puja: Puja is the collective term used for the various honoring ceremonies to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, it includes prostrations, incense offerings, chanting, and prayers. Puja is also conducted on the New Moon and Full Moon each month. • Chanting: Chanting is often used during worship and meditation sessions at Wat Prasat Banan. Different suttas may be chanted, depending on the rituals of the day. • Meditation: Meditation is an important practice at Wat Prasat Banan. Different styles of meditation are practiced each day, including zazen meditation, insight meditation, and metta bhavana (love and kindness meditation). • Offerings: Offerings made to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha are seen as a way of expressing gratitude. In Wat Prasat Banan, these offerings include food, flowers, candle offerings, and incense. • Special Events: There are also occasional special events that take place in Wat Prasat Banan, such as the Buddhist New Year celebration and the Moment of Merit celebration. These ceremonies usually involve a recitation of ancient Pali scriptures and beating of drums. This most visited temple in Cambodia

Opening Timing:

Wat Prasat Banan is open to visitors daily from 7 am to 4 pm. top temples in Cambodia

How to reach:

Wat Prasat Banan is located 12km west of Battambang province in Cambodia and can be reached by car, tuk-tuk or bus. From Battambang town, a tuk-tuk or car can be hired and the journey takes around half an hour. Alternatively, minibuses and regular buses run from Battambang to Wat Prasat Banan and tickets can be purchased at the bus station. famous temples in Cambodia