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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Street 27, Wat Bo Road, Salakomreuk Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Sonalong Boutique Village & Resort enjoys a peaceful location within 10 minutes’ walk of the lively Pub Street. Surrounded by abundant greenery, it offers an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi access, free fresh fruit and fresh fruit juices. A free one way pick-up service is provided from the airport, boat or bus station.
The resort is a 15-minute drive from Siem Reap International Airport. It is a 10-minute drive from Angkor Wat and a 5-minute walk from the night market. The property offers complimentary airport pickup services.
The spacious, air-conditioned rooms feature a large balcony with garden views. Each room has a seating area, satellite TV, and tea/coffee making facilities. The private bathroom is fitted with a bathtub and shower.
Guests can relax on the sun loungers by the pool, or enjoy a soothing massage. The hotel offers tour arrangements and visa services.
Home-style meals are served at the open-air restaurant, while drinks are available at the bar. Room service is provided 24 hours daily.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
We speak your language!
Sonalong Boutique Village & Resort has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 9 Apr 2010.
Hotel Rooms: 24
Wat Thmei, Kouk Chak, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
One of our best sellers in Siem Reap!
Featuring a garden, terrace and free WiFi, Grand Venus La Residence is located in Siem Reap, 3.7 km from Angkor Wat. This 5-star hotel offers a shared lounge. Guests can enjoy pool views.
The rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area. Rooms come with a coffee machine and a private bathroom, while selected rooms will provide you with a balcony and some have garden views. Guest rooms at Grand Venus La Residence have air conditioning and a desk.
A continental breakfast is served daily at the property. The restaurant at the accommodation specializes in American, Cambodian and Asian cuisine.
Grand Venus La Residence has an outdoor pool. Cycling is among the activities that guests can enjoy near the hotel.
Non-stop assistance is available at the reception.
Pub Street is 4 km from Grand Venus La Residence. The nearest airport is Angkor International Airport, 12.9 km from the accommodation.
Solo travelers in particular like the location – they rated it 9.4 for a one-person stay.
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!
Wat Damnak, Salakomrouk Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Petit Villa features spacious accommodation with a private terrace offering pool views and free Wi-Fi access. Just a 15-minute tuk tuk ride from Angkor Wat, it also houses a spa.
Featuring classic contemporary decor, the air-conditioned suites are fitted with checkered black-and-white tiled flooring. Khmer touches include handcrafted bamboo lamps and rattan furniture. Equipped with a flat-screen TV and a DVD player, the suites feature bath and shower facilities.
Guests can take a dip in Petit Villa Boutique & Spa’s outdoor pool, which is surrounded by tropical gardens. A range of pampering organic treatments is offered at Malis Spa. Other facilities include a tour desk and a business centre.
Champa Café serves both traditional Khmer delights and Western favourites. Guests can enjoy an evening drink in cushioned seats at Champey Bar. In-room dining is available round-the-clock.
Petit Villa Boutique & Spa is just a 5-minute walk from Pub Street and Night Market and a 15-minute drive from Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
We speak your language!
Petit Villa Boutique & Spa has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Apr 26, 2011
Hotel Rooms: 16
Wat Damnak village, Old Market Areas, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Featuring 3-star accommodation, Golden Banana Residence is set in Siem Reap, 400 m from King's Road Angkor and 600 m from Pub Street. Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The hotel offers pool views and a barbecue.
The rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All units will provide guests with a desk and a coffee machine.
A continental breakfast is available every morning at the property. There is an in-house restaurant, which serves Chinese cuisine and also offers vegetarian and dairy-free options.
Golden Banana Residence offers a hot tub. You can play billiards at the accommodation, and the area is popular for cycling.
Guests can rent a car or make advantage of the business centre. When guests need guidance on where to visit, the reception will be happy to provide advice.
Angkor Wat is 7 km from Golden Banana Residence. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 13 km from the property.
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 9.6 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!
No. 0141, Wat Domnak Street, Old Market Area, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Located in the Old Market area, Cambali Lotus Hotel is a convenient 5-minute walk to the famous Pub Street and Angkor Night Market. Free Wi-Fi is available and complimentary private parking is provided.
This hotel is only a 15-minute drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat Temple. Siem Reap International Airport is 9 km away. Complimentary one-way airport pick up is offered.
Air-conditioned rooms are simply furnished with a wardrobe, a flat-screen cable TV and a minibar. Private bathrooms are equipped with shower facilities and free toiletries. Select rooms offer a bathtub.
Operating a 24-hour front desk, Cambali Lotus Hotel can assist with luggage storage, laundry and car rental services. A tour desk and business centre is provided for convenience. Guests can also request for massage services, and shuttle service can be arranged at a charge.
The in-house restaurant serves mainly Cambodian and Western cuisine daily.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.7 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Group 2,Phum Treang,Sangkat Slokram, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Surrounded by tropical gardens and 2-outdoor swimming pool, Montra Nivesha Residence is the perfect blend of contemporary comfort and traditional Khmer design. Free WiFi is available in all areas. Guests can also relax and rejuvenate with luxurious spa treatments at Sita Spa.
The property is located 3.1 mi to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat Temple, while Pub Street is 1.6 mi away. Siem Reap International Airport is just a 15-minute drive away. The property offers complimentary one-way airport pickup services.
Featuring traditional Khmer décor, air-conditioned rooms are furnished with a personal safe, IDD telephone, satellite TV and a mini-bar. Private bathrooms come with a hairdryer, bathtub and complimentary bath amenities.
Montra Nivesha Residence operates a 24-hour front desk that can assist with currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. Guests enjoy free use of bicycles to explore the local villages and surroundings. An authentic Khmer cooking class is also available.
Located next to the pool, Reahoo Restaurant serves mainly traditional Khmer cuisine, Western dishes and provides room service.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Solo travelers in particular like the location – they rated it 8.8 for a one-person stay.
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!
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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