More old and more new at Nokor

The eastern doorway at Wat Nokor

The fusion of ancient and modern at Wat Nokor, a large temple complex just outside Kompong Cham city, brings colour to Jayavarman VII's construction in the form of brightly painted designs and narrative scenes throughout the open-sided vihara of the modern pagoda. The main altar is also the eastern doorway of the 13th century temple's central sanctuary.The lintel and pediment above the doorway have been plastered, painted and covered with gold leaf over time. Its represents Buddha's enlightenment with various monsters and soldiers also shown but I've always found it incredibly difficult to photograph well, due to the lack of clarity of the carving itself and also because the temple is in constant use and I feel uncomfortable taking pictures during worship. Much of the carving dates from the early 16th century when the temple's iconography was remodelled.

(Top) The colourful scene inside the vihara at Wat Nokor; (bottom) a spirit house located inside the vihara

Tags: cambodia, khmer