Lokeshvaras of Krol Ko

The face of the compassionate Lokeshvara at Krol Ko

The most famous Lokeshvaras in Cambodia appear as multi-armed wall panels at Banteay Chhmar. However, the small Jayavarman VII hidden gem of Krol Ko has its own collection of Lokeshvaras, to be found on a series of re-assembled pediments on the ground at the site. All of the six Lokeshvaras - usually identified in league with Shiva and known as the Lord of Compassion, protecting humans from a long list of dangers and illnesses - are in the standing position and convey different messages and actions. Lokeshvaras became a very important symbol of merit during the reign of J-VII and appear at many of the temples he constructed at the end of the 12th and beginning of the 13th centuries.

A standing Lokeshvara without his head surrounded by worshipping figures

A Lokeshvara surrounded by flying apsaras, displaying his compassionate mood

A two-armed Lokeshvara that originally had four arms, surrounded by acolytes

This Lokeshvara is standing on a lotus flower supported by hamsas and is pouring water from a flask over a kneeling figure

This kneeling figure has just been anointed with holy water

Although in poor condition, Lokeshvara is here pouring water over a king who is putting a crown on his head

A badly-damaged Lokeshvara with Vishnu and Brahma kneeling in veneration at his side at Krol Ko