Entrance to enclosure 2 is again through gates which have beautiful pediments, some still intact. Area of enclosure 2 surrounded by wall III measures 200 meters by 175 meters.
East Temple Gate or 3rd Eastern Gopuram:
The east gopuram of enclosure 3 is the largest of all gates. It is wider than other three gates, 106 meters spanning from north to south.
Another important feature is that being the main entrance, it has 3 gates in contrast to 1 in other gates(one large in center and two on its either side)
east entrance
This 380 meter path from outer gopura to the entrance to temple has fire house on its right. The area in this enclosure was once inhabited by people of the city.
This wing is easily recognisable due to the silk-cotton tree that has become a part of the building.
The gopurum is so big that taking a single shot was impossible. Pieces of naga balustrade can only be seen now.
This is also the only gate which has inter-connected cloister.
The third enclosure measures 220 meters by 165 meters.
Entrance of eastern gopura, southern side
The southern wing of this gopuram which had the biggest tree, Tetrameles nudiflora, was alive died in 2020 and had to cut off.
A lone roaring lion stands at the southern side gopura, the other one on side is no more. The pediments which must have existed sometime is long gone.
The lintels shows carved praying ascetics or Rishis. Past this gopura is the Hall of dancers which is a part of enclosure 2.
view of cruciform temple
This wall of enclosure 2 contains the sanctum sanctorum, libraries, Hall of Dancers, also the north and west satellite temples. The south satellite temple is still in process of restoration.
The western satellite temple is dedicated to Vishnu, north to Shiva and south satellite temple served to worship of ancestors.
South Temple Gate or 3rd Southern Gopuram:
Southern side of the temple is hardly visited. This side of the temple is built to honor their deceased Kings. The orientation of these Ancestor Palace is always to the south, the direction of death.
southern gopura
The entrance to enclosure 2 is guarded by two huge beheaded stone guardian. One of them can be seen holding a sword. The other one also must be having one.
pediment on entrance
The pediment shows Krishna on a chariot, drawn by a horse.
The upper part of pediment shows Krishna on a chariot, drawn by a horse
The lower part shows another chariot from which an asur is falling off. On the eastern side(right), the fire deity Agni(fire) is seen on his mount, rhinoceros. In front of him is Varuna, god of ocean on goose.
A huge strangler tree growing on the laterite wall of enclosure 2
laterite wall enclosing the temple
dwarpala or temple guardians on enclosure 2
The guardians wear a very different head gear.
all temple enclosures clearly visible, sanctum sanctorum straight ahead
the two dwarpala each holding a staff in their hands
another set of guardians in the inner enclosure
surviving between the ruins
lintel over a door on way to outside
The entrance to temple from south is still intact but the southern part of temple is in a ruined state.
West Temple Gate or 3rd Western Gopuram:
This temple side is dedicated to Vishnu.
Gatehouse of west temple
Entrance to temple is guarded by two massive beheaded guardian statues or dwarapala. Dwarapala are armed guardian figures and are seen with a mace, or a sword. They protect the entrance of temple. Each entrance to the temple is guardian by a dwarapala.
central gopuram
The pediment above the temple entrance shows Battle of Lanka. Rama can be seen with bow on the northern side and Ravana with many arms can seen on the south side of pediment.
northern part of temple
southern side
inside southern side of temple
southern side of temple, another view
inner view of south entrance gate, false balustered windows towards inner side of the temple
south entrance gate
the pediment shows a standing figure supposedly Vishnu with multiple arms
lintel shows Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana
inner view of west north entrance gate
the above pediment shows a scene from Battle of Lanka though it is not very clear. The monkey army is clearly visible.
praying ascetics on top of walkway
a pediment which I could not understand
praying ascetics or rishis
praying ascetics on a pillar
North Temple Gate or 3rd Northern Gopuram:
temple entrance guarded by roaring lions
This is the only entrance where a pair of lions along with naga balustrade can still be seen.
only one dvarpala survived
The pediment shows Battle of Lanka
central sanctuary straight ahead
fight between Bali and Sugreeva from Ramayana
a pediment on ground, not fully assembled
Ceremonial platform:
West to the two-storied structure is a raised platform with lions as guards.
Visitor's center on western side:
When entering through the west entrance, is the visitor center. It is not that good but gives a glimpse about the temple.
stele
The stele measures 2 meters by 0.60 meters has inscription on all four sides. It was originally located in the central sanctuary. It now is the prized possession of Angkor Conservation in Siem Reap.
The stele provides information about the history of temple.
The writings on stele praise King Jayavarman VII telling how he founded 'Nagarajayasri, the city of the Sacred Sword'. It further tells about the number of monks, dancers, teachers, farmers living in the city.
The inside enclosure is very interesting and I am going to visit that now.
