The southern section of the east gallery is decorated by the most famous of the bas-relief scenes at Angkor Wat, the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. This brilliantly executed carving depicts 88 asuras on the left, and 92 devas, with crested helmets, churning up the sea to extract from it the elixir of ...
The demons hold the head of the serpent Vasuki and the gods hold its tail. At the centre of the sea, Vasuki is coiled around Mt Mandala, which turns and churns up the water in the tug of war between the demons and the gods. Vishnu, incarnated as a huge turtle, lends his shell to serve as the base and pivot of Mt Mandala. Brahma, Shiva, Hanuman (the monkey god) and Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity) all make appearances, while overhead a host of heavenly female spirits sing and dance in encouragement. Luckily for us, the gods won through, as the apsaras above were too much for the hot-blooded devils to take. Restoration work on this incredible panel by the World Monuments Fund (WMF) was completed in 2012.
The Churning of the Ocean of Milk (also called Samudra manthan in Hindi or Ko Samut Teuk Dos in Khmer) is one of the most well-known legends of the Hindu mythology and of the Cambodian culture. That story is depicted on a 49 meter-wide bas-relief carved on the walls of the east gallery of Angkor Wat temple, a religious site built in the 12th century by Khmer King Suryavarman II. Indeed, that World Heritage temple was in the first place a Hindu shrine dedicated to God Vishnu that was later converted to a Buddhist one. That’s the reason why nowadays, both Hindu and Buddhist rites are practiced inside.
It is said that a long time ago, Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) were fighting against each other to ensure their domination over the world. After many years of war, Devas were weakened and almost vanquished; so they went to see Supreme God Vishnu to ask Him for help. The latter promised to strengthen Devas by ordering them to seek for the Amrita, the sacred Elixir of Immortality. But this difficult task could not be achieved by them alone. They had to gather their forces in cooperation with Asuras in order to extract the Amrita from the depths of the cosmic sea.
To do so, they used Mount Meru as a churning stick and the King of snakes Vasuki as a churning rope. Devas and Asuras both pulled alternatively the Naga Vasuki on their respective side to churn the Ocean of Milk. As MountMeru was sinking, God Vishnu turned himself into his turtle avatar Akûpara to stabilize the mountain. Many treasures came out of the Ocean of Milk. Amongst them were celestial creatures called Apsaras coming on earth to entertain Gods and Kings.
The demons, tricked into pulling the head of the giant snake, were weakened after a thousand years of efforts by the Naga’s poison. Fortunately for them, God of health Dhanvantari emerged from the Ocean of Milk with the sacred Amrita. So they seized the elixir for their own sake.
As they were frightened by this act, the Devas informed Vishnu of the situation. The Supreme God then turned into another of His avatar, Mohini, the most beautiful women on earth. Mohini charmed the Asuras and took the opportunity to steal the Elixir of Immortality and gave it to the Devas. From this moment, the Gods would rule the world and send the Demons to hell.
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National Road No. 6, Banteay Chas Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Price!
Located in Siem Reap, Starry Angkor Hotel is a 5-minute drive from Angkor National Museum. It features an outdoor swimming pool, 2 dining options and air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Angkor Starry Hotel offers free parking, and is a 15-minute drive from the Cambodian Cultural Village and Angkor Wat. Tonle Sap Lake and the Floating Village are a 20-minute drive away. The nearest airport, Siem Reap International Airport is about 9.8 km from Angkor Starry Hotel. The property offers complimentary airport pickup services.
Rooms come with wooden flooring and have plenty of natural light. All are fitted with a cable TV, personal safe and minibar. A bathtub, hairdryer and toiletries are in the bathroom.
Guests can work out at the well-equipped fitness centre or shop at Starry Mart. With a 24-hour front desk, the hotel provides currency exchange and car rental services. Ticketing services are available at the tour desk.
Open for all-day dining, Starry Restaurant serves a variety of Khmer, Western and vegetarian dishes. A Halal menu is available as well.
We speak your language!
Starry Angkor Hotel has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 11 Nov 2011.
Hotel Rooms: 127
Sala Kamruek Road, Siem Reap Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Featuring Khmer-style wooden houses on stilts, Malu Khmer Villa offers accommodations away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It boasts a private pool fitted with a balcony overlooking views of the garden and another outdoor swimming pool. Guests can enjoy a meal at the in-house restaurant. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Pub Street, Old Market and Angkor Night Market are 1.6 km from Malu Khmer Villa, while Angkor Wat is 8 km away. The Royal Residence and Angkor National Museum are 3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 10 km from the property.
Individually-designed with historic significance, each wooden house features local artworks and carefully-restored furnishings. Rooms have a private balcony and are fitted with a TV, minibar and a safe. En suite bathrooms include a bathtub, separate shower facilities, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.2 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Steung Thmei Villa, Svay Dangkum Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap – and a guest favourite.
Nestled within private gardens, Secondfold Residence offers modern and elegantly-furnished accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
The vibrant Pub Street is 500 m from Secondfold Residence, while Angkor Wat is 7 km away. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, located 8 km away from the property. The hotel offers complimentary airport pickup services.
Featuring a blend of Cambodian decor and international design, each air-conditioned room is fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels and an electric kettle. Some units have tea/coffee maker and a seating area with a sofa. The private bathroom provides bathrobes, dental kits and free toiletries. Slippers are provided.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. A fitness centre and spa facilities are also available on-site. Union Pay is accepted here.
Veyo Lounge, the open-air in-house restaurant located behind the swimming pool serves up a variety of authentic local cuisine and Western dishes.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Sekla Villa Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
The Khmer House - Secret Oasis is located in Siem Reap and has an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. Boasting free shuttle service, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk.
At the hotel, every room has a balcony. With a private bathroom, rooms at The Khmer House - Secret Oasis also have free WiFi. The rooms at the accommodation are fitted with a seating area.
At The Khmer House - Secret Oasis you will find a restaurant serving Asian cuisine.
Guests can make use of the business centre or rent a car to explore the area.
King's Road Angkor is 2.1 km from the hotel. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 15 km from The Khmer House - Secret Oasis.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.2 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
National Highway 6, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
The Cyclo Siem Reap Hotel in Siem Reap has free bikes and an outdoor swimming pool. Featuring a garden, the hotel is close to several noted attractions, around 1.6 km from King's Road Angkor, 800 m from Royal Residence and less than 1 km from Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chom. Guests can make use of a bar.
Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet and a desk. The private bathroom is fitted with a shower and free toiletries. At the hotel all rooms come with a seating area.
A continental breakfast is served daily at the property. There is an in-house restaurant, which serves a variety of Asian, Cambodian and Thai dishes and also offers vegetarian options.
Bike hire and car hire are available at this hotel and the area is popular for cycling.
Guests can access the free WiFi or use the business centre. Speaking English and Khmer at the reception, staff will be happy to provide guests with practical guidance on the area.
Pub Street is 2.2 km from The Cyclo Siem Reap Hotel. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 13 km from the property.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.3 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Thmor Meas Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Spring Palace Boutique Hotel offers accommodation in Siem Reap, with an outdoor pool, free bicycle rentals and a roundtrip shuttle service via tuk tuk. Guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar.
Offering garden views, each room comes with a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle and a seating area. The private bathroom offers shower facilities, a bathtub and toiletries.
Pub Street is 1.4 km from Spring Palace Boutique Hotel, while Angkor Wat is 8 km away. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 9 km away.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Spring Palace Resort Hotel has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 8 Jul 2015.
Hotel Rooms: 43
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Ms. Lyn
Country: Philippines
City: Manila
N.of Person: 1 pax
Travel date: 23-09-2024
Booked: Ream National Park Kayaking & Boat Trip Day Tour
Tour Style: Beach Break Holiday
Duration: Full Day
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