Angkor Wat Devata at Wat Athvea

Siem Reap, Cambodia – About 6 km. south of Siem Reap visitors will be surprised to find Angkor Wat devata at Wat Athvea, an active Buddhist temple that, like many others, is built next to an ancient Hindu temple. It’s on the west side of the road to the Tonle Sap and it’s well worth a short detour to see this peaceful and relatively un-touristed Khmer monument. Angkor Wat Devata at Wat Athvea

The temple’s design and distinctive style of the devata (sacred female images) inside indicate that it was built in the 12th century, during the reign of King Suryavarman II (circa 1,115-1,150 AD), who also built Angkor Wat.

The temple is unusual because it lacks all but the most basic decorative carvings…with the exception of some exceptional Angkor Wat style devata. Originally at least six women were planned to preside over the west interior chamber of the main structure but only four were completed and of those only three remain in good condition.

Upon entering from the west, devata #1 stands south of the door in fine condition. To the left is #2, however she has deteriorated to the point that only her headless torso with parts of both arms and a section of her sampot (a traditional Khmer wrap worn around the waist) remain.

Angkor Wat Devata at Wat AthveaWat Athvea Photo Album

Wat Athvea is a peaceful site a couple minutes off the main road that runs from Siem Reap to the Tonle Sap.

Because it's right next to a Buddhist temple there are frequently monks at the site.

These young monks are sitting on the steps to the east entry door. However, the devata (sacred women) are in the chamber on the west side of the temple.

The western devata chamber also has some decorative carving on the ceiling.

Upon entering from the west, this devata is immediately to your right. She is exquisitely adorned with a lotus crown, heavy necklace and belt and a rich sampot (waist wrap) decorated with a floral pattern. Her attributes are comparable to the most sacred women of Angkor Wat.

Her right hand gently grasps what was probably a flower bud. Her navel displays three lines, similar to markings found on her sisters at Angkor Wat.

Below each shoulder, she displays a hanging pendant with three sections. This is an indication of rank and it rare, even at Angkor Wat. Here at Athvea all three of the devata display this feature.

Devata #2 is badly deteriorated, but appears to have been of similar rank to her sisters.

Devata #3 is in fine condition. She grasps a small bud with her right hand. Note that each finger wears a ring. Her left hand grasps a long stalk flower in Angkor Wat style.

The devata's attractive face is distinctly Khmer, with a powerful, square shape. Her stomach is unmarked and her breasts are so full they press together, a motif that is hardly seen at Angkor Wat.

The pendents below her shoulders feature 4 segmented sections.

A closer look at her elaborate belt, floral sampot and bejeweled hand.

The outline of Devata #4 is next to her on the wall, unfinished.

On the right side of the door entering the center of the temple is another devata outline, which we label #5.

Finally, devata #6 stands in the Southeast corner of the chamber. Her pose mirrors that of #3, now with her right hand holding a long stalked flower and her left hand cradling a flower blossom..

Angkor Wat Devata at Wat AthveaWat Athvea Photo Album

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