Preah Khan Khmer Temple Devata Goddesses of the Shadows

Siem Reap, Cambodia – This huge temple city, once filled with acolytes, now rests in the lush jungles of northern Cambodia. Today acolytes are few, but sacred images of Khmer women still dominate and protect the temple with their auspicious presence.

Oriented toward the east, each entrance has a causeway over the moat with nāga-carrying devas and asuras similar to those found at Angkor Thom.

Some woman are exposed to the burning tropical sun, but many stand hidden in shadowed alcoves, seen by few visitors. Preah Khan itself has lived long in the shadow of its older sister, Ta Prohm.  These photos introduce a few of Preah Khan’s “Devata of the Shadows.”

Preah Khan Khmer Temple Devata Goddesses of the Shadows

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© 2008 Kent Davis – High resolution images are available to educational and non-profit organizations at no charge.