This is one of the notable landmarks as we enter the province of Kampot – the provincial headquarters of the Royal Gendarmerie of Cambodia, or the Military Police, one of the branches of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. The mighty Garuda, as you can see, is holding up what could be a symbolic key (or something to that effect) with the logo and words in Khmer and French translation at the bottom. Please excuse the low quality picture, it was shot using a mobile phone camera and on a moving vehicle.
Gendarmerie Royale de la Provence Kampot
Royal Gendarmerie of Kampot Province
Garudas are mythical creatures found at the stone carvings in the Angkor temples. This clearly shows the influence and importance of Hinduism in Cambodia brought by the Hindu traders long time ago. The Garuda is one of the most unique creatures in Hindu mythology. It is a creature comprised with a head, wings and talons of an eagle with a man’s body. One of the three principle animal deities in Hindu mythology, the Garuda is the king of the birds and enemy of the serpent. (Source)
More signs all over the world at Signs, Signs. Please do have a look.
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This has to be one of the most unique creatures I have seen. Your pic came out well for a moving phone camera. Well done!
Thanks, RedPat. I’ll try to get a better picture next time. It is indeed a remarkable creature. Sorry that you cannot see the features well.
Great sight.
Thanks 🙂
That is like a large key – perhaps to a kingdom! Intriguing sign!
It sure looks like a key but will confirm with my colleagues and make another entry, with a better picture, next time 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
Good capture!
I am glad there is a translation under that! The local script is beautiful and intricate, but completely incomprehensible to nearly all Westerners!
Thanks, Nick.
I myself appreciate the translation to fully understand and appreciate the picture.
That’s a sign and a statue in one. Nice find!
Inger-M, it is indeed! A two-in-one find 🙂 Thanks for dropping by.
This garuda is certainly a force that does not play around – one must be on guard when seeing it!!
The photo works — it clearly shows ; I appreciate hearing the history — an amazing mythological creature.