PEAK Trip to Angkor Wat, Cambodia (6)
- The Forever Guarder for the Sanctuaries

Before you enter the sanctuaries, no matter which temple, you may see the Guardian for the sanctuaries in the gate or at the entrance. It is neither a lion, like Chinese temples; nor an elephant, like Thai temples. It is hard to find a real animal to call it. The Guardian has bird beaks and wing, but looks like a lion with horse legs.

People say it was the charger for Shiva, the God of Hindu. When the Devil came and destoryed the world. No god, human and aminal can hurt it. The charger became such a monster and not belong to the three catagories. It was the only one who can kill the devil and saved the world and peace. Therefore, Khmer people believe it can guard their safty and have such sculptures in their wall and door to prevent from devil.

If you have opportunity to visit Angkor Wat, please take a look at these Guardians who sit loyally there for hundreds of years.

~~ PEAK Travelers, 7th Septmeber 06, Angkor Wat, Cambodia