Cruciform Terrace Angkor Wat

The cruciform terrace (or platform) is a naga bridge between the end of the causeway and the entrance to the temple. Climbing the terrace, one passes from the earthly to the divine realm. This photo shows the southern arm of the terrace, looking back from the temple entrance. It was taken in the morning. Steps (not shown) descend from the ends of the cross-arm down to the city level below. The terrace has a naga railing (photo upper right; the heads of the nagas are missing from this part of the terrace), and is guarded by sculpted lions (photo left).