Angkor Thom South Gate
by Carolyn Derstine
Title
Angkor Thom South Gate
Artist
Carolyn Derstine
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s complex of ancient temples built by Khmer kings over 6 centuries is a UNESCO world heritage site located in northern Cambodia. To enter Angkor’s “Great City,” known as Angkor Thom, visitors must cross a grand causeway over a wide moat. On each side of the causeway are railings fashioned with 54 stone figures engaged in the performance of a famous Hindu story: the myth of the Churning of the Ocean. On one side of the causeway, fifty-four guardian deities pull the head of a mythical serpent. On the other side, fifty-four images of demon gods push the tail of the serpent. The whipping motion of the serpent's body was said to churn the ocean and recreate the cosmos anew. Angkor Thom’s South Gate is one of the best preserved and one of the most famous of Angkor Archeological Park's site entrances.
Uploaded
April 20th, 2023
Embed
Share
Similar Images
Recently Viewed
