Inspired Planet


Harihara Harihara is a unique amalgam of the two gods, Shiva and Vishnu, who were worshipped simultaneously during the early Khmer dynasties(re. Angkor Wat). This is a Cambodian replica of the original bust carved from stone in the 10th century. A Story of Mysterious Gods and Archeological Intrigue Ever since 19th century French expeditions hacked through the dense jungle and rediscovered the vast complex of stone temples, pyramids and palaces, the true nature of Angkor has been shrouded in mystery. Some have speculated that it was originally built by Alexander the Great or that it was the remote seat of an Indian dynasty. The identity of Angkor's gods and the purpose of the fabulous structures was a great unknown to explorers, archeologists and art historians. After years of digging and various interpretations of the Khmer enigma, the cultural influence of Hinduism and Buddhism has been proven. There is a similarity to the Mayans, but the most apt comparison is to ancient Egypt. The Angkor regents were consecrated in sacred rituals and then devoted to emulating their particularly favored god. Originally the kings associated with Shiva(creator/destroyer of the Hindu pantheon), then Harihara (an amalgam of Shiva and Vishnu), sometimes Vishnu (preserver of the cosmos), and ultimately various incarnations of the Buddha: Shakyamuni (the historical Buddha), Avalokitesvara (the compassionate Buddha), and Prajnaparamita (the divine mother and Buddha of transcendent wisdom). When they died, the kings were ritually entombed in the sanctums of their funerary temples where it was believed they inhabited the statues of the gods. Cambodian monarchs were considered embodiments of an ideal, not glorified personalities. In fact, archeological evidence shows that though they were considered supreme, they were, pious, fair and magnanimous rulers dedicated to the welfare of their realms. Devaraja was much more than a personal license to power and dominion like the European concept of "divine right of kings". Height: 18 inches Width: 7 3/8 inches Depth: 9 7/8 Material: Polycrome concrete, wood Culture: Early Khmer style Country: Cambodia Price: $385 - SOLD, but we may be able to find something simliar, Please Inquire

Harihara

Harihara is a unique amalgam of the two gods, Shiva and Vishnu, who were worshipped simultaneously during the early Khmer dynasties(re. Angkor Wat). This is a Cambodian replica of the original bust carved from stone in the 10th century.

A Story of Mysterious Gods and Archeological Intrigue
Ever since 19th century French expeditions hacked through the dense jungle and rediscovered the vast complex of stone temples, pyramids and palaces, the true nature of Angkor has been shrouded in mystery. Some have speculated that it was originally built by Alexander the Great or that it was the remote seat of an Indian dynasty. The identity of Angkor's gods and the purpose of the fabulous structures was a great unknown to explorers, archeologists and art historians. After years of digging and various interpretations of the Khmer enigma, the cultural influence of Hinduism and Buddhism has been proven. There is a similarity to the Mayans, but the most apt comparison is to ancient Egypt.

The Angkor regents were consecrated in sacred rituals and then devoted to emulating their particularly favored god. Originally the kings associated with Shiva(creator/destroyer of the Hindu pantheon), then Harihara (an amalgam of Shiva and Vishnu), sometimes Vishnu (preserver of the cosmos), and ultimately various incarnations of the Buddha: Shakyamuni (the historical Buddha), Avalokitesvara (the compassionate Buddha), and Prajnaparamita (the divine mother and Buddha of transcendent wisdom).

When they died, the kings were ritually entombed in the sanctums of their funerary temples where it was believed they inhabited the statues of the gods. Cambodian monarchs were considered embodiments of an ideal, not glorified personalities. In fact, archeological evidence shows that though they were considered supreme, they were, pious, fair and magnanimous rulers dedicated to the welfare of their realms. Devaraja was much more than a personal license to power and dominion like the European concept of "divine right of kings".

Height: 18 inches
Width: 7 3/8 inches
Depth: 9 7/8
Material: Polycrome concrete, wood
Culture: Early Khmer style
Country: Cambodia
Price: $385 - SOLD, but we may be able to find something simliar, Please Inquire