Devas, west side

Asuras and Devas Pulling the Snake

South Causeway, Angkor Thom

Asuras pull the snake on the east side of the causeway, while Devas line the west side. These elements derive from the myth of the Churning of the Sea of Milk. While not a literal representation of the myth (in this case two snakes are involved, one on either side of the causeway; each team is pulling at the head of their snake), certainly the naga balustrade in this form must have reminded visitors of the story, thus reinforcing the balustrade's protective and auspicious function.