The Journal of the Siam Society Vol. XLIV, Part 1-2, 1956 - Khamkoo

Hi
john Black
considerable length, hoth by word and in plan, by that eminent
authot•ity H. Parmentier in his L'Art Klmuw Olassique (.Mon-uments
dtt Quadrant N ord-E8t). It will, however, be observed in comparison
with Parmentier's interpretation, that there are certain differences in
some basic dimensions on the plan herein presented. Although they
do not alter the design, as snel1, it is considered that they reflect
a more accurate interpretation of the mountain ensemble. Also, for
the first time, as far as is known, the elevation shows the levels of
the various temple structures !'elated to the lowest point of the
northern approach stairway, which is taken as zero.
Again, the
geographical posit,ion, in terms of calculated longitude and latitude,
is clearly set down on a separate map to a seale not hitherto
recorder!.
A Description of the Portico Facing South - Second Gopura.
'l'he doonvay measn res 1.15 rn~tres
in w icl th by 2JJ9 metros
high, and is ridged on all sides with four distinct frames.
'l'he colon.Jrlettes adjacent to the ridged framework of the
door are octagonal with deb pranom-like eli vin ities in diamoud-shaped
O!'namenktl frames at the foot of each column. 'l'he colonnettes
which support the lintel nre artistically scnlptured with floral
decoration between circumferential ridges.
'l'he lintel portrays a scene from Hindu mythology. '!'he
god Vishnu whilst asle(~p dtlt'ing the intervals of creation is using
the Naga as a couch and canopy. His wife Lakshmi, sometimes
known as the daughter of the sea of milk, sits at Vishnu's feet with
her· arms round his legs below the knee.
According to legend, she
sprang like Aphrodite from the froth of the ocean when it was
churned by the gods and the asw·ns. Vishnu is shown with a lotus
stem coming out of his navel, from the flower of ·which springs
the four-headed naray or the active creator Brahma.
He has four
hunds; one holds the conch-shell; another a chall:ra or discns; the
third a clnb and the fourth, a lotus. Close• to the Naga head are
four figures-one male, two females ancl. a monkey.
appear to have clnhs in their hands.
The humans
At the tail of the Naga,