Serpents in Angkor, Apotheosis of a Decorative Motif

This masterful study leads us through the origins of the serpent sculptural motifs in Angkorian sculpture and architecture.

While the ​‘Naga’ figure definitely belongs to pre-Angkorian myths and representations, the author shows how it intertwined with another serpent-like figure — the ​‘Ananta’, multi-headed serpent on which Vishnu reclines during the World’s Creation. In this position, the Hindu god is referred to as Anantashayana Vishnu. 

Here is a sample of the minitious analyzis applied to sculptural ornementation in Angkor (and Banteay Samre): ​“At the core of the Angkor Wat temple, on its western side, there is a cross-shaped gallery with four paved basins. A lintel of the south-north axis portrays on the southern side, looking to the north, the Anantaśayana event. The body of the serpent is stretched out on a socle, the wavy incisions of which indicate water. The five canopies of the cobra correspond to the upraised tail on the other side. Viṣṇu himself holds cakra (lower right), and gadā (upper left), while the upper right hand supports his head and the lower left is extended towards Lakṣmī who takes care of his feet with her left arm. The upwards directed lotus stalk is preserved. The figure of Brahmā, however, is destroyed. Two pairs of bearded ascetics, sitting beneath trees, worship Viṣṇu from both sides.”