The summit of Angkor Wat: The upper cruciform gallery

Twelve stairways rise to the third level of the pyramid.

Here again is a cruciform gallery, linking the five crowning towers, and enclosed by a surrounding gallery. Water basins covered the four courtyards.

All five towers open to the cardinal directions, giving open views along the galleries.

The overall picture was a wide and airy hall, full of light. It was “the most enchanting and most focussed work of Khmer architecture”.

The third level, where are the finest reliefs of devata, was the throne room of God Vishnu. Only the king, assisted by the highest priest, was to ascend to the god. [Ref. 5]

Later Buddhist monks walled up three faces of the cella, thus destroying a unique arrangement. [Ref. 6]

Open again!

(January 2010) After more than two years the top level is open to the public again, except on Buddhist holidays. There are new wooden stairways. Only 100 people may enter, and only for half an hour. So one has to wait. Wear decent dress, shoulders and knees should be covered. Visitors can enjoy the open views to the four directions, they can see the central tower in full extend, and the can discover some of the most beautiful goddesses.

Album: Devata at the top level