Stupa of the cenrtal of Preah Khan

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.