On the towers above, serene faces gaze out over the jungle. But below, Jayavarman VII followed the example of King Suryavarman II by filling his monument with female energy. The portraits of sacred women, now called devata or apsaras depending on their style, surround the Bayon.
The small, elegant Khmer temple of Thommanon is located just outside the Gate of Victory that gives access to the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom from the east. Directly to its south is the small temple of Chau Say Tevoda, currently under restoration.
Sacred images of Khmer women still dominate and protect the temple with their auspicious presence. Many stand hidden in shadowed alcoves, seen by few visitors. Preah Khan Khmer temple devata goddesses
These photos reveal a few of the “Devata of Darkness”: images of Cambodia’s sacred women called devata — sometimes inaccurately referred to as apsaras — hidden from the light of day in passages beneath the collapsed structure. Preah Khan temple Khmer devata goddesses of darkness
Today acolytes are few, but sacred images of Khmer women still abound, protecting the temple with their auspicious presence.
Two heavenly women in an ancient Cambodian temple are 12th century Khmer queens, not artistic imagination, according to Khmer-American photographer Phalika.
Yogini, devata, goddesses…or goblins? Ancient Asian religions worshiped women in many forms. How do the sacred women of India’s famous Chaunsat Yogini Temple and the Women of Angkor Wat compare?
Sacred Shrine on Top of Angkor Wat Reopens to Visitors. Towering above the Cambodian jungle, Angkor Wat is still the largest religious structure on Earth
Chau Say Tevoda Khmer Devata Temple Reopens. Visitors can again see angels (devata) on earth as the Chau Say Tevoda Khmer devata temple reopens.
