Visitors can see these unique motifs in the Angkor architecture and art. Understanding of these components will fulfil a pleasure to visit. And not only that, but some motifs are also shown in neighbouring countries in form of each traditional culture in the region as well.
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| UNESCO: Face Towers, Bayon Temple, Angkor Thom |
Face Towers:
The most
unique mysterious sculpture of Angkor.
We can see them on top of Gopuras (Entrance Gate) and on top of temple towers.
We can see them on top of Gopuras (Entrance Gate) and on top of temple towers.
Baray:
Large reservoirs
with advanced irrigation systems which were the foundation of political,
economic and agricultural prosperity of the Ancient Angkor Kingdom.
Stepped Pyramid Temple /
Mountain-Temple:
Architectural model according to Hindu cosmology, such as
Phnom Bakheng, Bapuon, Pre Rup, East Mebon, Ta Keo, Piman Akas, BaksriChamkrong etc.
Linga & Yoni:
The
symbol of Shiva and his consort, Uma.
Supreme Gods: Top three deities in Hinduism.
Brahma, the creator who
rides mythical swan
Vishnu, the protector who
rides Garuda
Shiva, the destroyer who
rides Nondi bull
Apsara:
A group of female
servants who serve devas in heaven. They are one of myriad phenomenons
originated from the churning of the Sea (ocean) of
milk.
Devas and Asuras:
Angels and demons are often seen from The Churning of the Sea of Milk works such as bas relief walls and bridges leading to the temples.
We can identify them from hair dressing. Angels get nice hair style and Asuras' are always mess. Moreover, Angels have good looking faces but Asuras are ugly.
Mythical animals commonly seen in Angkor works: elephant, lion, naga, garuda and bull.
Naga:
Often seen in form of
5-headed or 7-headed serpent.
From the picture: Visnhu lying on the 7-headed Ananta-sesha Naga throne.
Well-Known nagas
Vasuki:
King of naga who
use his body as churning string helps devas create Amrita (the Elixir of Immortality) from the Sea of Milk.
Mucalinda:
He protects the
Buddha after enlightenment.
As seen from the Meditating Buddha sheltered by
Naga image.
Ananta-sesha:
His body is
the throne of reclining Vishnu.
Sometimes he is shown as a
thousand-headed serpent.
Kala:
Monster's face
without lower jaw guarding holy place. Kala often has been decorated above the
entrance.
Makara:
Reptile specie has
a body like snake and legs like crocodile.
Makara always have been built as
bridge or stair railing in form of disgorging naga. It may be unnoticed from
the block of naga heads.
Retangular dome:
Ancient Angkor
unique architecture that is deployed in elegance buildings today.
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| Banteay Srie Temple: Showing pediment, tympanum, door and window colonnettes |
Cruciform:
Cross-shaped floor plan in chamber or space of temple with or without extension.
Cross-shaped floor plan in chamber or space of temple with or without extension.
Dominant elements:
Architectural elements with engraved patterns and epic bas-reliefs.
Architectural elements with engraved patterns and epic bas-reliefs.
Wall
Lintel, pediment, tympanum
Door colonnette and window colonnette (small or thin column)
Blind door and blind window