An Apsara, in Khmer folklore, is a celestial being. Together with the devatas, they are “assigned” here on earth to fulfill their respective duties. The apsaras are celestial entertainers/dancers and they are always depicted as dancing (above) or poised ready to dance while the devatas are always standing still and facing forward in their role as temple guardians or watchers.

New apsaras and devatas come down to earth once a year, every Khmer New Year, to replace the ones that are already here. Images of these celestial beings are prominently found in Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Ta Prohm temples and most of them are of the apsaras. Archaeologists are still trying to uncover one of the mysteries surrounding Angkor Wat – why do women  dominate the largest religious structure on earth and who were these ancient Khmer women depicted in the temples?

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3 Comments

  1. she's dancing delightfully! great shadow capture. those women depicted were powerful and mysterious! happy SSS. have a great weekend.

  2. Wow that's nice, i've visited Siem Reap too, thousands of Apsaras. I would like to visit again during rainy season so they will give a different drama!

  3. A shadow dancer!SHADOWY DINNERA shadow, a shadow, a shadow you say?A shadow is coming to dinner today?Oh, what shall we feed it, and what will it eat?Just toss down a few rays of light at its feet,And watch its dark mouth gobble up every ray,But be sure, my friend, you don’t get in its way;Keep out of the light so it won’t gobble you.(If I were the hostess, that’s just what I’d do.)A shadow is easy to feed, so they say,So welcome your shadow to dinner today.© 2011 by Magical Mystical TeacherShadows here and there

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