Returning to the late 12th

Returning to the late 12th, early 13th century temple of Ta Prohm at Tonle Bati, the homage to Lokeshvara took on a much greater importance during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. Revered as the supreme god, lord of the world and bodhisattva (buddha-to-be) of compassion, images of Lokeshvara in various forms were plentiful at the temples credited to this ruler, whether in narrative form such as on these two pediments at Ta Prohm, or as large sculpted statues. In his four hands Lokeshvara always held a rosary, a lotus, a book and a flask, and on the front of his chignon headdress would be a seated Amitabha Buddha carving. Yesterday I posted two more examples to be found on the lintels of both libraries at Ta Prohm. The two pediments pictured here can be found above the southern doorway to the main sanctuary, where the standing Lokeshvara has four arms, whilst the supreme god above the northern entrance has six arms. In both instances, Lokeshvara stands on a plinth between kneeling acolytes, while in the register below there is a row of seven kneeling worshippers with hands joined in prayer under the main characters on the northern narrative. On the southern pediment, is a kingly figure to the left of the Lokeshvara holding a crown over his head as if he was placing or removing it. Flying angels (Apsaras?) are buzzing around the dominant central figure. The lintels below both pediments depict a meditating Buddha – who had taken a secondary role to Lokeshvara at this time - above a Kala head amidst floral scrolls. Just for good measure, it’s important to remember that Lokeshvara protected humans from the dangers of fire, flooding, shipwreck, bandits, thunderbolts, wild animals and witchcraft. He healed all illnesses and granted children of the required sex to those who request them. This was especially pertinent to Ta Prohm of Tonle Bati, as the Radiating Lokeshvara statue, locally known as Preah Noreay, was venerated by childless females for many years before it was removed to the National Museum in 1999.