Apsaras and Devatas

Apsaras are celestial beings (dancers) in Buddhist folklore. Images of apsaras and devatas are prominently found in Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm temples. Above, you can see that the figures are in very good shape. They’re even more outstanding when seen with your own two eyes.

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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?