Closing the Wat Phu chapter

This lintel shows Vishnu riding his mount Garuda, who clutches a multi-headed naga

The central sanctuary which sits on the upper level of Wat Phu in southern Laos has a wealth of classic Khmer iconography and carvings of devatas and dvarapalas to admire. This series of photos close the chapter on Wat Phu's beautiful array of carvings, though I must mention the small museum at the entranceway, which is a 'must-visit' on your Wat Phu schedule. Its well presented with good signage and has some wonderful pieces on show that have been removed from the main site for safe-keeping and to explain the Wat Phu story to visitors. I can't recommend the temple of Wat Phu highly enough - I was so glad I made the effort to visit it on my trip to Laos, and I'm sure you will enjoy it too.

Detail of Vishnu riding his mount Garuda. The bird-man grasps a multi-headed naga in either arm, while he steps upon one-headed nagas who, rearing up, obscure his legs. Vishnu has four arms and is standing on the shoulders of his mount. This lintel is above the northern door of the sanctuary. White patches on this lintel are lichens, not paint

The popular image of Vishvakarma and kala in a broken lintel at Wat Phu

Detail of Vishvakarma - architect of the gods - sat above a kala in munching mode, as he makes a meal out of a foliage branch

Another Vishvakarma and kala lintel at Wat Phu, under attack from white lichen

This half pediment above the northern door shows a scene of monkeys fighting, most likely Valin and Sugriva

This doorway shows Vishvakarma on the lintel and a few fragments of Vishnu sleeping on the snake Ananta in the pediment above

The lichen covered rishi (wise man) at the foot of this wall panel is topped by another small figure in prayer