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Preah Khan Temple: Naga King and Heavenly Beings
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Preah Khan Temple: Naga King and Heavenly Beings
CAMBODIA, Siem Reap, Angkor; Dated 1191; Sandstone; L: 425 cm; Guimet Museum of Asian Art, Paris, France
This sculpture was once part of the entrance balustrade at Preah Khan Temple. When the temple was declared a sacred site by Khmer King Jayavarman VII (reigned circa 1181–1220), all the main entrances were fitted with statues of heavenly kings, demigods, naga kings, and asuras. The naga is regarded as a rainbow bridge connecting the world of humans with that of the gods in Khmer mythology. The naga king depicted here was initially almost 200 m long. The accompanying heavenly kings have sturdy physiques and strong arms. The figure at the front has four heads and eight arms that clasp the seven-headed naga king, as does the smiling figure behind him. |
