Cruciform Terrace

Angkor Wat

The cruciform terrace of Angkor Wat 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. The terrace has a naga railing (photo upper right; the heads of the nagas are missing), and is guarded by sculpted lions (photo left).