Guide to the Temples: Glossary
Guide to the Temples: Glossary
Anastylosis : Archaeological technique used in the reconstruction of the temples ruins by dismantling and then rebuilding. This technique was used in Banteay Samre Prasat Kravan, Thommanon and many other temples.
Apsara: Mythological celestial nymphs. Devatas (Standing female divinities), though technically different, are also referred to as apsaras in this guide, carved in abundance on many of the temples.
Banteay : (Khmer) “fortress” or “citadel” Though not a technical designation, it often indicates a monastic complex or flat temple style.
Baray: Ancient water reservoir. E.g West Baray, East Baray, Srah Srang
Boeung: (Khmer) “lake” Also spelled “beng”
Champa: Neighboring Indianised state, contemporary with Angkor. Located in the area of south central Vietnam.
Corbel arch: False arch made from placing tiered, progressively projecting corbels on opposite walls. Used throughout Angkorian era construction.
Gopura: The entrance-way or gate in the wall that surrounds a temple.
Khmer : The dominant ethnic group and the language of ancient and modern Cambodia.
Linga A phallic symbol, representative of the god Shiva.
Lintel: The sandstone block above doorways and windows, often intricately carved.
Monastic complex : General term referring to a temple that has a relatively flat, sometimes sprawling architectural layout. It may employ towers, but set as ground level. Eg: Ta Phnom, Preah Khan, Banteay Kdei.
Naga: Mythological, multi-headed snake/serpent. Naga mofits are often used in balustrades.
Phnom: (Khmer) “hill” or “mountain”
Prasat(Khmer) “tower”
Preah(Khmer) “sacred”
Reamker: Khmer telling of the Ramayana, a classic and much loved epic tale from Hindu mythology the adventures of Rama in his quest to save his kidnapped wife, Sita, from Ravana. Images from the Ramayana are carved on many temples including Angkor Wat, and traditional dance performance in Siem Reap often incorporate stories form the Ramayana.
Chiva: one of the three primary gods of the Hindu Trinity. The “destroyer”central to the Angkor royal linga cult. Often represented in the form of a linga.
Stele: Inscribed stone tablet.
Temple-mountain : A specific architectural design based on the mythological mountain, Mt. Meru. Eg: Pre Rup, Ta Keo, Bakong.
Thom: (Khmer) ‘big’ E.g Angkor Thom.
Varman(Khmer) ‘protected by’ : The suffix attached to the names of khmer kings. Eg: Suryavarman, Jayavarman.
Vihear(Khmer) Main temple building of a Buddhist pagoda or temple group. Houses the Buddha image.
Vishnu: One of the three primary gods of the Hindu trinity. The ‘protector’
Wat:(Thai) Modern Buddhist pagoda or temple.