Wats or Vats ~ A Brief Glossary of Key Words by Ansova Travel Oct 07, 2015 A general understanding of certain terms used in Khmer art can really bring a frieze or panel alive. With just a few words under you belt, you’ll be able to differentiate between apsaras and asuras. Generally, Hinduism dominated across the Khmer empire until the end of the 12th century. Many of the temples are adorned with figures of gods or myths and stories relating to them. Mahayana Buddhism arrived in the Khmer empire during the 12th century and replaced Hinduism for about 100 years. Therefore, do not assume that every temple’s iconography is Hindu. Buddha’s and Bodhisattvas can also be found among the dancing apsaras, nagas and gods… agni – vedic god of fire angkor – meaning royal city or capital angkor thom – the great citadel angkor wat – capital formerly dedicated to Vishnu, later a Buddhist sanctuary amrita – elixir of immortality apsaras – celestial maidens or female deities, usually depicted as dancing asura – demon and enemy of the gods locked in perpetual conflict avatar – manifestation or physical image of a Hindu god, can be human or animal form baray – artificial lake for water catchment, part of temple complex bodhisattva – in Mahayana Buddhism, a being who stops short of enlightenment in order to return again and again to the world, to relieve suffering and help all sentient beings brahma – the Hindu creator of all things brahmin – a Hindu priest buddha – name of the historical figure, Gautama Buddha who lived 5th century b.c garuda – mythical bird and vehicle of Vishnu, enemy to the nagas lingam or linga – phallic symbol of the Hindu god Shiva, symbolises fertility meru – sacred mountain, the abode of the Hindu god Shiva naga – mythical multi-headed serpent, guardian of the waters, enemy to garudas nirvana – Buddhist concept of freedom from suffering and the escape from rebirth phnom – mountain or hill samsara – the nature of existence, a continuous cycle of rebirth shiva – Hindu god, one of the Trinity of Hindu gods, considered the god of destruction and rebirth stupa – Buddhist shrine or funeral mound, shaped like a dome, usually contains relics vat or wat – Buddhist monastery vishnu – Hindu deity, one of the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva), considered the protector and preserver Tags: Cambodia
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