The eastern gopura at Banteay Chhmar

There's a lot to see at Banteay Chhmar so be prepared for a few more postings from this massive temple site in northwest Cambodia. I spent a little over an hour there two weeks ago and tried to capture as many of the notable features as possible. I've been there before and will certainly return again - there's more than enough to keep me occupied for a few days at least. As much of the temple's rich vein of carvings lie in pieces on the floor as are still in situ, so there's lots of opportunities to uncover a gem or two in a quiet corner if you have time on your hands. My future posts will focus on the temple's magnificent bas-reliefs and face towers. These pictures were taken in and around the eastern entrance gopura to the temple.

Above: One of a series of lions and garudas with arms aloft to support the celestial realm in the area of the broken eastern gopura

Above: A good example of the precarious nature of much of Banteay Chhmar as wooden supports keep this interesting pediment - the slaying of Shishupala with Krishna and rishis also present - in the eastern pavilion

The Hall of Dancers is another section in a precarious state. This frieze of female dancers with arms raised also resides in the eastern pavilion and has looked like this since my first visit to Banteay Chhmar seven years ago

Two more heavenly maidens or devatas in traditional pose holding lotus flowers on the walls of Banteay Chhmar