Thread by @tskrishnan

Banteay Srei is one of the important Shiva temples in Cambodia constructed in 10th Century. It was built by the Yajñavarāha, rajaguru of Rajendravarman II & Jayavarman V kings of Khmer empire. Built using sandstone, the temple has some stunning intricate reliefs #Walktotemple

The Gajalaksmi panel which one can see in most of the temples in TN

The fight between Vali and Sugreeva, as seen in the western Gopura

Here is another famous sculpture seen in most of the Chola temples. Ravana trying to lift mount Kailash. One can see many animals, humans, Rishis who are petrified by this act but the Lord is smiling.

Perhaps this one is a clear indication of a Chola connection to the temple. Nataraja in the eastern Gopura. One can see Karaikal Ammaiyar (on the left corner) & a drummer (right corner) who appear in Chola period Nataraja sculptures.

This period corresponds to the Uthama Chola regime in TN. This is when the temple building was renewed by his mother Sembiyan Madevi. It is interesting that a similar styled temple was built miles away. Perhaps an indication of cultural ties between the two countries.