Close-ups

In my series of postings from Wat Phu, the unique Khmer temple built over many centuries though majoring in the 11th century, located in Southern Laos, I have reached the main sanctuary on the uppermost terrace. I hope you've enjoyed the journey so far. Here, an 11th century sandstone mandapa, fronts onto an earlier 10th century brick cella. The lintels and pediments above the mandapa's doorways and antechambers are in excellent condition and of fine quality. Here are a couple of close-up examples before I post more photos from the main sanctuary tomorrow.

Above: Vishnu rides his mount, Garuda. The bird-man grasps a multi-headed naga in either arm, while he steps upon one-headed nagas who, rearing up, obscure his legs. Vishnu has four arms and is standing on the shoulders of his mount. This lintel is above the northern door of the sanctuary. White patches on this lintel are lichens, not paint.Above: Our popular friend and minor god, though he seems to appear more often on lintels than all of the main gods added together, Vishvakarma - architect of the gods - makes an appearance on this lintel, above a kala in munching mode, as he makes a meal out of a foliage branch. This is one of the most popular lintel representations to be found at Wat Phu and many other temples of the same era.Above: This is a rishi at the foot of a colonette at the main sanctuary. The word rishi mens seer, singer of sacred verses, inspired poet or generally, a sage. They all wear a long pointed beard and this representation, in meditation, reminds me of the regiments of rishis at the foot of upright columns at Angkor Wat.Above: This character is of a particularly ancient vintage and should be housed in a museum somewhere, well out of the public eye. Here he is posing on the second causeway leading to the upper terraces of Wat Phu, having just enjoyed his long-awaited visit to this unique Khmer site in Southern Laos.