The causeway between Gopura IV and III leads to the second enclosure through a beautifully carved entrance or gopura III.
Between the gopura III and II lies the moat. Moat around temples is a representation of the cosmic ocean, anantsagar (अनन्तसागर )
straight ahead is entrance to central sanctuary
After this, we enter the innermost enclosure.
contd. to Prasat Banteay Srie 3, Siem Reap
map of second enclosure, not to scale
Eastern gopura III:
eastern gopura of the temple's second enclosure
moat and passage leading to eastern gopura II
laterite blocks
Eastern gopura II:-
On entering this enclosure (east inner), on the pediment is GajLakshmi (#5) with elephants on either side of her. Gaja: elephant
Gaja-Lakshmi
On this pediment, Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu is showered with water by two elephants holding a pot in their trunk.
Garuda, the mount of Vishnu on the lintel
Entering through the gopurams are seen Shivlinga yonis (#6)
empty Shiva yonis
A stone lotus flower, which is a representative of creation and is used to symbolize Vishnu, Brahma and Lakshmi.
Since Shiva was the main temple deity, Nandi is seen sitting outside just in front of entrance.
Crossing the gopura #7, a damaged Nandi (#8 ), the mount of Lord Shiva is seen in a sitting position.
Nandi (badly damaged)
other view
Before the inner enclosure towards the south gallery, Shiva devouring Kaal can be seen on the lintel.
south gallery entrance
work on tympanum
lintel showing Shiva devouring Kaala
contd. to Prasat Banteay Srie 3, Siem Reap
Astounding. Shows how culture enhances our appreciation of life
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