Kamadhenu, a photo from Siem Reab, West

Photographer's Note

Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia and is the largest religious monument in the world. Nearest town is Siem Reab. When I explored this massive complex one could move about freely. Today there are restrictions, roped off sections, climbing bans, and off-limit zones. Permits are required.

Pictured here is Kamadhenu, a Gou Mata also known as Surabhi and is considered a divine bovine-goddess described in Hinduism as the mother of all cows. ... She is a miraculous "cow of plenty". These families may hope this is possible. Today families or individuals like these might not be able approach this close. It is a climb up a high hill to get here, but there is a view of many parts of Angkor not available anywhere else. Catching anyone here respectfully actively in worship is not common however there are many locations where Hindu worship is performed here. The Temple complex has a mix of both Hindu and Buddhism beliefs.

Thanks for viewing, Enjoy your weekend.
drt00 David

PaulVDV, Royaldevon, pajaran, cornejo has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

PaulVDV (49028) 2019-08-17 1:07

Hello David,
The Kamadhenu made me immediately think of the Nandis in India. But the Nandis are bulls ... so no mothers.
Your picture has a very beautiful light and attractive colours.
Apart from the people who surround the Kamadhenu we als catch a glimpse of one of the many constructions in Angkor Wat.
The wooded area further provides a soothing environment.
Very attractive with the difference between the sunlit areas and those in the shade.
One day I hope to be able to visit Angkor Wat.
Best regards, Paul

Royaldevon (64476) 2019-08-17 1:50

Hello David,

It is a delight to see this family so intent on humbly worshipping the goddess.
It's a fine photograph showing the cow goddess with one foot raised, as if awakening to the interest of the family.
Lovely soft lighting.

I suppose the restrictions on access are to maintain the integrity of the sculpture, though that seems immaterial when this sort of activity is now prevented.
I remember going to Stonehenge, in the UK and touching the massive sarsen stones, wondering about their age and origin. Now, the site is roped off and you can only view the the monument from a distance.

Have a good w/e, Bev :-)

carlo62 (81031) 2019-08-17 3:04

Ciao David
Interessante la nota di accompagnamento, ci spiega molte cose, in soli 11 anni sono cambiate le regole, per fortuna sei riuscito ad avere più libertà per le tue foto, questa è molto bella.
Saluti
Carlo

cornejo (61240) 2019-08-29 5:09

Hi David, very nice photo of this interesting scene of everyday life with the ceremony, very well captured in this interesting image, good sharpness, light, color and quality. A great job perfectly done, my congratulations my friend. Thank you for sharing this interesting work.

Good day and happy weekend.
All the best from southern Spain.
Angel.

Photo Information

Copyright: Dr David Reed Thomas (drt100) (3746)
Genre: People
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-10-26
Categories: Daily Life, Ceremony
Camera: Olympus E-410, Olympus 14 - 42 mm Digital
Exposure: f/0.8, 30 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Worship, Cambodian impressions, cambodia, Favorites [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2019-08-17 0:56
Favorites: 1 [view]