Preah Khan Garuda - Angkor, Cambodia
Posted by: 
denben
N 13° 27.718 E 103° 52.104
48P E 377511 N 1488505
One of the 72 sandstone Garudas protecting the perimeter wall of the monastic complex of Preah Khan in Angkor.
Waymark Code: WMEBQV
Location: Cambodia
Date Posted: 05/03/2012
Views: 3
The outer wall of Preah Khan is of laterite, and bears 72 giant five-meter high Garuda holding Nagas, at 50m intervals.
It is said that in 1190 AD the troops of the Khmer King Jayavarman VII defeated a force of foreign invaders near Angkor in Cambodia. On the site of his victory, the King constructed the walled city and Buddhist temple of Preah Khan. To commemorate his victory and to protect the new city, the King ordered the placement of 72 gigantic stone sculptures of Garuda along the Preah Khan outer walls. The statues show Garuda standing on the bodies of defeated Nagas (serpents) and holding others aloft as trophies of victory.
The Garuda is a large mythical bird or bird-like creature that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology. It is depicted has having an eagle's beak and wings but a man's body. It is invoked as a symbol of impetuous violent force, of speed, and of martial prowess. The Garudas are enemies to the Naga, a race of intelligent serpent whom they hunt. (
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