This “Apsara” or “Heavenly Nymph” is one of more than 3,000 carved in the walls and niches of Angkor Wat.  Each is unique in design and detail, with over 30 different hair/crown styles depicted.  The detail throughout this structure is overwhelming.

Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure in the world.  It is Hindu in basis, dedicated to the God Vishnu.

It was also the center (of power) of the state of Kampuchea during its time, as well as being designed including reservoirs and canals used to provide a consistent water source to the population enabling rice to be grown and harvested three times annually rather than once after the rainy season.

Angkor Wat is believed to have been designed to act as a tomb and mausoleum for Suryavarman II, it being oriented to the West (sunset or death) rather than to the East (sunrise or birth/life), as are most nearby sites.