At Ta Nei, abrasion has worn away the thunder god Indra from his carving, leaving his multi‑headed elephant mount behind, while an exquisitely detailed Apsara carving remains.
Indra deity deliberately erased from temple carving
CambodiaExcavation
Site mentioned
Key facts
- Carving shows a three-headed elephant (Indra's mount) with Indra himself scraped out
- The god of thunder and lightning was deliberately targeted for erasure
- An Apsara (celestial being) carving shows exceptional detail appearing almost alive
- Multiple entrances to the temple are barricaded with fallen stone blocks
- Tree roots have split solid rock from inside, described as aggressive
- Temple is considered cursed by local legends
Sources
How Indra Lost His Thunder - All About Hinduismallabouthinduism.info
Riding his white elephant Airavat and wielding the thunderbolt he led the mighty Sun, Fire, Air and Water into many fierce battles with the ...
Airavata — The Cloud That Bears the King - Lucas Varrolucasvarro.com
A contemplative essay on Airavata, Indra's white elephant, exploring rain, kingship, and cosmic balance in Angkorian myth, sculpture, and sacred space.
The Story of Indra's Ego - Glorious Hinduismglorioushinduism.com
Trishiras was born with three heads, one used to drink Amrita, one for wine, and the other for food. Because of his three heads, he became known ...
Indra: Hindu God of War, Heavens, & Thunderstorms -lotussculpture.com
He was the God of war, storms, thunder, and the ultimate warrior carrying his famous lightning bolt, Vajra, as weapon protecting Dharma alongside Vajrapani.
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