Angkor Thom South Gate, Cambodia
Copyright © Timothy Tye.
Angkor Thom South Gate
Cambodia
The South Gate of Angkor Thom is one of the five gateways into the ancient Khmer city of Angkor Thom. The South Gate is the most visited of the five Angkor Thom gates, as it is the one nearest to Angkor Wat. The South Gate of Angkor Thom is also the best preserved and restored.
Compared with the other gates of Angkor Thom, the South Gate is quite complete. As we approach it, we can see a row of statues on each side of the causeway. On the left are the gods while on the right are the demons, or asuras. They are supposed to be engaged in a tug-of-war holding on to the seven-headed serpent, or naga. This is a three-dimensional depiction of the Hindu creation myth, Churning of the Ocean of Milk, which is also shown in two-dimension on the bas-relief of Angkor Wat. It is believed that, in the case of Angkor Thom, the actual "churning" takes place right at the center of the city, that is, at the temple of Bayon.
Associated Sites
Angkor Thom South Gate in AsiaExplorers
South Gopura of Angkor Thom in Angkor Travel Tips
A row of asuras, or demons, at Angkor Thom South Gate
Copyright © Timothy Tye.
View of the causeway from the moat of Angkor Thom South Gate
Copyright © Timothy Tye.
Visitors and tourists entering Angkor Thom through the South Gate
Copyright © Timothy Tye.
