Ta Som Devata
The multiple female figures in a relatively small temple erected by Jayavarman VII
Tags: Jayavarman VII, Ta Som Temple, devatas, apsaras
Prasat Ta Som ប្រាសាទតាសោម (សោម saom meaning the moon, Shiva, or a sacred wood whose bark is used in decoction) is a small temple consisting of a singke shrine enclosed with laterite walls and located north east of Angkor Thom and east of Neak Pean.
King Jayavarman VII built Ta Som late in the 12th century and dedicated it to his father, King Dharanindravarman II, who ruled the Khmer Empire from 1150 to 1160 following the death of King Suryavarman II.
Kent Davis remarks: “Like most Khmer temples, Ta Som is filled with standing female images called devata (or tevoda, tevada), and flying or dancing female divinities called apsara (or apsarases, apsaras).
At first glance the women appear similar, but upon close examination one sees that each is unique and features her own special attributes. Some display attributes and abilities that characterize them as divine. Others seem to be earthly women fulfilling sacred duties.”
66 images in this collection
See the Devata.org recension of Khmer architectural Devatas
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