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Description
Location: Cambodia, Siem Reap (Angkor Thom)

(The side that represents Asuras)

The Tonle Om Gate , from Inside the city walls, Look Carefully and you may be able to see the remains of the faces.

The Tonle Om Gate is the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom (The City of Thom). It is one of 5 gates that provide access to the ancient city and date back to the 12th Century.

On Approaching Angkor Thom via the gates you are first met by the grand causeway that crosses the 100 m wide moat which is flanked on either side by a naga balustrade beginning with a massive stone carving of a seven-headed Naga (mythical serpent) being held by a multi-armed and multi-headed giant. On each side, there are 54 stone giants pulling on the body of the Naga serpent.

On one side, the giants represent Devas featuring slender oval eyes and a casual smile, on the other side, depicting Asuras with round bulging eyes and grimacing faces, together representing an endless tug of war between good and evil, the polar forces generating the dynamism of life itself.

Atop the entrances are four massive faces are believed by some to be either a depiction of king Jayavarman VII, Avolikiteshvara, or Brahma. It’s locally held to be the latter. Much like the smiling faces of the Bayon, it’s an unresolved point with researchers. These four gigantic smiling faces feature a diadem in a diamond shape on their forehead, an ornate crown/tiara with a center emblem, and the iconic large ornamental earrings.

Description
Location: Cambodia, Siem Reap (Angkor Thom)

(The side that represents Asuras)

The Tonle Om Gate , from Inside the city walls, Look Carefully and you may be able to see the remains of the faces.

The Tonle Om Gate is the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom (The City of Thom). It is one of 5 gates that provide access to the ancient city and date back to the 12th Century.

On Approaching Angkor Thom via the gates you are first met by the grand causeway that crosses the 100 m wide moat which is flanked on either side by a naga balustrade beginning with a massive stone carving of a seven-headed Naga (mythical serpent) being held by a multi-armed and multi-headed giant. On each side, there are 54 stone giants pulling on the body of the Naga serpent.

On one side, the giants represent Devas featuring slender oval eyes and a casual smile, on the other side, depicting Asuras with round bulging eyes and grimacing faces, together representing an endless tug of war between good and evil, the polar forces generating the dynamism of life itself.

Atop the entrances are four massive faces are believed by some to be either a depiction of king Jayavarman VII, Avolikiteshvara, or Brahma. It’s locally held to be the latter. Much like the smiling faces of the Bayon, it’s an unresolved point with researchers. These four gigantic smiling faces feature a diadem in a diamond shape on their forehead, an ornate crown/tiara with a center emblem, and the iconic large ornamental earrings.