Churning of the Sea of Milk Gallery — Attraction in Siem Reap

Our visit to Angkor Wat was a mesmerizing experience, and among its countless treasures, the Churning of the Sea of Milk Gallery stands out as a breathtaking marvel. Nestled within this iconic temple complex, the gallery captivates visitors with an intricate and expansive bas-relief depicting one of Hindu mythology's most enchanting tales. Visiting with my family, we were entranced by the craftsmanship, which seemed to bring the ancient story to life before our eyes.

The artistry here is nothing short of phenomenal. The relief captures the epic battle between gods and demons as they pull on the cosmic serpent Vasuki, churning the ocean to obtain the elixir of immortality. Each character, from the fierce asuras to the graceful devas, is carved with exquisite detail, and the attention to facial expressions and bodily movement is simply astounding. It's almost as if you can feel the tension in the tug-of-war, and my children were especially fascinated by the elaborate portrayal of Vishnu, seated regally on the turtle avatar, Kurma, who supports the mountain that serves as the churning rod.

What struck us the most was the atmosphere in the gallery. Despite the throngs of visitors, there was a prevailing sense of awe and reverence that seemed to bring everyone together in admiration. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable, eagerly explaining the tale and pointing out details that even the most observant visitor might miss. Watching my family’s faces light up with amazement and curiosity as they absorbed the story made this visit even more memorable.

This gallery is a must-visit for anyone at Angkor Wat, offering not only a profound glimpse into ancient Khmer and Hindu cultures but also an opportunity to connect with mythologies that have inspired generations. It’s truly a masterpiece and a testament to the skill of the artisans who carved it centuries ago. I would recommend setting aside ample time to fully appreciate its beauty—this is one part of Angkor Wat that should...

Masterful representation of the Hindu creation myth. Gods get asuras to help them pull on a giant naga and thus rotate a mountain. As a result, the cosmic sea (or Sea of Milk) is created. This, in turn, produces the liquid of immortality, which the gods then refuse to share with the asuras, but that part (their going back on their promise) is not represented here. As a side effect of the churning, apsaras are also created and are seen here flying and...

The track titled “Marjorie” from her “Evermore” album was released at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic on December 11, 2020 as a tribute to her grandmother, Marjorie Finlay, an opera singer who died in 2003.

“We all know that Siem Reap is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Cambodia, and it is also the world’s most popular destination for tourists; most people know Cambodia because of Angkor Wat,”...