Angkor Wat
Galleries of Bas-reliefs
The
galleries of bas-reliefs, surrounding the first level of Angkor Wat, contain
1,200 square meters of sandstone carving. The bas-reliefs are divided into
eight sections, two panels flanking each of the four central entrances and
additional scenes in each pavilion at the north and south corners of the west
gallery. The scense on the bas-reliefs run horizontally, from left to right, in
a massive expanse along the walls. Sometimes decorated borders are added. The
scenes are arranged in one of two ways: either without any deliberate attempt
to separate the scenes; or in registers which are sometimes superimposed on one
another.
As the
bas-reliefs at Angkor Wat were designed for viewing from left to right, the
visitors should follow this convention for maximum appreciation. Enter the
gallery of bas-reliefs at the middle of the west side, turn right into the gallery
and continue walking counter-clockwise. Visitors who start from another point
should keep the monument on their left.
(1) West Gallery (South): Battle of
Kurukshetra (Scene from the epic Mahabharata).
(2)
Corner
Pavilion (Southwest): Scene from the epic Ream Ke.
(3)
South
Gallery (West): Army of King Suryavarman II.
(4)
South
Gallery (East): Judgment by Yama/Heaven and Hell.
(5)
East
Gallery (South): Churning of the Ocean of Milk.
(6)
East
Gallery (Near the Entrance): Inscription.
(7)
East Gallery (North): Victory of Vishnu over
the Demons.
(8)
North
Gallery (East): Victory of Krishna over Bana.
(9)
North
Gallery (West): Battle between the Gods and the Demons.
(10)
Corner Pavilion (Northwest): Scene from the epic Ream
Ke.
(11)
West Gallery (North): Battle of Lanka (Scene from the
epic Ream Ke).
