Angkor Superlatives

The Angkor temples are literally heaven on earth. Superlatives don't begin to address the enormity and magnificence of the sites.  There are hundreds of temples and at one point more than a million people lived in the area. 

The gods make their home here.  The sites vary but in most we gain access by crossing moats and traversing two sets of double walls with elaborate gate heads at the 4 cardinal points.  Inside the walls are courtyards and temples all symmetrically arranged.  Four temples surround the highest one.  Progressively steeper stairs lead to the highest temple where Vishnu or Shiva or Buddha reigns. 

The temples have a poetry and sublime magnificence that is simply staggering.  Really all I can say is come visit. This spot is truly one if the wonders of the world. 

Banteay Srei Is my favorite.  Dedicated to Shiva, it is said to be carved by a woman because the carving is so refined. 

Pre Rup - 5 lotus towers on the uppermost of three tiers

Lotus tower.   Typically there are doors and stairs on 4 sides.  Doors are either blocked with this patterned motif or they are open and there is a god inside.  

Ta Som entry

Integral trees

 

Bayon - where 216 faces of the god-king look down on us

Four sided towers with god king faces

Angkor Wat - looking back at an entry gate

Inside the outer wall

Bas reliefs line the full length and height of the walls

Vishnu at right entry portico.  He once occupied the highest temple - now Buddha has the spot

Steep steps lead to the highest level

A view of an entry to the inner wall

Apsaras -heavenly nymphs 

Doors lead to doors

Typical details - door

Typical Angkor corbelled arch. The Khmers did not use a keystone or flying buttress. 

Mr Tchi, my tuk tuk driver, took me everywhere