Dikpalas in Banteay Srei, Siem Reap

I had thought of adding the information about the guardian gods of four directions in my last post but it became so big that I am making a separate post on this.

Dikpalas (दिकपाल ) or the guardian gods of directions:

According to Hinduism, each direction and sub-direction is occupied by a certain deity who act as guardian. The direction and sub-directions are still followed in Vaastushatra, science of architecture and construction. Dik is direction and palas: guardians. Since there are eight directions and sub-directions, the guardian gods are known as ashtadikpalas, asthta: eight and dikpalas; the guardians of directions.

There are four main directions and four sub-directions making a total of eight directions. There are two more one above the place of gravity and other below, but they are not considered in everyday use.

Not only in Banteay Srie, but in other temples also the gods of only four directions are highlighted. The precision regarding the gods facing directions has always been kept in mind.

Main dikpalas:

the four guardians of directions or the 

Kubera, faces North:

Kuber is the God of wealth and prosperity. He sits on a throne, Pushpak carried by his mount, a man. He faces north. He is depicted on pediment of north side of northern shrine.
Kubera observed strict penance and Brahma, the creator blessed him with plenty of riches and asked him to become the lord of wealth.

It is said the Kubera holds a golden mongoose in his hand who throws out gems every time he opens his mouth. Mongoose has enmity with snakes who are said to carry gems (mani) on their hoods. He is the only god who rides on the back of a human signifying how we have become a slave to wealth. Infact, there is a proverb in Hindi where a person if gets rich all of a sudden is asked if has got Kuber's treasure!

Yama, faces South:

Yama seated on water buffalo

Yama on pediment and lintel

Known as Yamaraja or the God of Death always faces south. He rides a water buffalo. Since, south is considered the direction of the departed soul or death no auspicious rites are performed in that direction. In Hinduism, the departed person is placed with his face towards south before and during cremation.
In Banteay Srie, Yama is seen both on pediment and lintel on the south face of southern shrine but if observed closely, one is the front view and the other side view.

Indra, faces East:

Indra is the King of Heaven and the other gods. He is also the God of Rains.

His home is mount Meru or Sumeru. He rides on a spotless white elephant, Airavata who is sometimes shown with one head sometimes three and even having five heads. Airavat or Erahwan came out during the churning of ocean. Elephant signifies power or strength.

Varun, faces West:

Varun is the guardian for west and rides on makar, which is part fish and part crocodile. Sometimes he is shown on a crocodile. Here, in this temple he is seen seated on geese supported by makar. Varun is the God of oceans/water and hence makes the rains and rivers.

Prasat Banteay Srie 8, Siem Reap, Southern Shrine

The Southern shrine behind the Southern Library had Shiva as its main deity. It is situated on the south of central shrine.

Southern shrine:

East facade of shrine (#A):

east facing shrine

Figure with lion head (Narsimha) is seen in east doorway in kneeling position

temple guardians

Pediment shows Shiva and Uma on Nandi in the center, lintel has Indra seated on Airavata or Airawana.

The distance was too much to take a clear picture.

South face of southern shrine (#B):

south face of this shrine

Yama, the God of death is depicted both on lintel and pediment

West face of southern shrine (#C):

West face of this shrine has Varuna, the god of water on both lintel and pediment. Head is missing

laterite used for construction waiting to be assembled

brick wall coming apart

central sanctuary wall, part of a corner column still standing on side

before exit

East Pediment on western gopura (#D):
Just before the exit the gopura has a scene from the Ramayana. A duel between Bali/Vali and Sugreev.

Duel between Bali or Vali and Sugreev on western gopura

This is a scene from Ramayana, where there was a duel between two brothers Bali/Vali(#2) and Sugreeva(#3). Rama(#1) can be seen with bow coming to the rescue of Sugreeva, killing Bali for having wronged his brother.

Shiva on kalamukh on a lintel under the Bali-Sugreev pediment

exit

a pediment lies on ground

rear view of temple surrounded by moat

rear view of temple with moat and temple boundary

I look back once again to get a last glimpse of the beautiful temple and then with a smile, I trudge outside to unravel the secrets of other Khmer temples.

Prasat Banteay Srie 7, Siem Reap, Northern Shrine

To the north of central shrine is the northern shrine. Vishnu is the deity who was worshiped here. It is said that a huge Vishnu image once stood at the entrance.

Northern shrine:
It has three faces depicting different illustrations on its pediments.

East appearance (#A):

east face of shrine

temple guardians, Garuda

above the entrance to shrine

I am not clear what it shows in the pediment, seems the top is damaged.. Lintel depicts Indra seated on Airavata or Airwana

North face of north shrine (#B:

north face of northern shrine

pediment and lintel

On the pediment is Kubera, the god of wealth seated on his vehicle, Pushpak, carried by a man. Kubera's head is missing.

On the lintel is a scene from Mahabharata. Bhima, the brother of Arjuna and one of the Pandavas ripping Jarasandha in half.

West side of shrine (#C):

west face of northern shrine, north library behind

The pediment has Varuna, head missing seated on three swans or rather geese. Lintel shows Vishnu on his mount, Garuda.

Southern Shrine  in next post.