Glossary The following is a list of words which reappear often in descriptions of the history of Angkor and its temples.
Apsara	Celestial nymphs or dancers represented in the shape of flying figures; at Angkor, the stylisation is extreme and the apsaras are often represented in groups with finery and jewels. They are the “divine symbol of happiness” (Maurice Glaize).
Avalokitesvara or Lokesvara	“Compassionate bodhisattva”, linked to the idea of Providence; often represented with four arms and bears Amitabha on his chignon; attributes: lotus, rosary, bottle and book.
Avatar	Literally “descent” in Sanskrit, the incarnation of a god in a human or animal being. The 7th and 8th avatars of Vishnu, Rama and Krishna, are the most famous cf. the Ramayana and Mahabarata.
Banteay	“Citadel”
Baray	Rectangular compensating reservoir; more than a pond, it is a dyke filled by rain and diversion of rivers. Its function is to ensure irrigation of the neighbouring fields and to supply the sanctuaries’ moats. The baray is at the basis of the Angkorian hydraulic system; progressive silting up may have contributed to the weakening of the successive Angkorian kingdoms. It also bears a sacred and symbolic function, as well as an economic one, witnessed by temples erected at their centres (West and East Mebon).
Bodhisattva	A being poised to become a Buddha, but who renounces its own salvation in order to help humankind.
Brahma	One of the principal gods of the Brahmanic trinity, the “creator”; generally represented with four faces and four arms, mounted on the Hamsa or sacred goose; his attributes include: disc, ladle, book, rosary, vase, flywhisk and sceptre.
Cham	Ancient inhabitant of Champa, a Hindu kingdom situated along the coast of former Annam.
Chenla	Former Chinese name for former kingdoms of ‘Land Chenla’ and ‘Water Chenla’ that occupied areas that were later incorporated into the Khmer Empire.
Churning of the Sea of Milk	The devas (gods) and the asuras (demons) hold a huge naga (the naga King Vasuki) twisted around the Mandala mountain in order to accomplish the churning of the primordial ocean, thus extracting the Liquor of Immortality (Amrita) which each group covets. A famous bas-relief at Angkor Vat illustrates this episode extracted from Hindu mythology.
Devaraja	Cult of the ‘god-king’, created for Jayavarman II on Phnom Kulen in 802 by the Royal Brahmins; based on the tenet that the king was an emanation of a god, usually represented in Khmer art by a linga symbolizing the spiritual and royal essence of the king; the reigning monach became identified with the Hindu god Shiva.
Devata	A deity, celestial being; gods, male and female, of Buddhism and Brahmanism; a recurrent motif on Khmer architecture.
Dvarapala	Squatting or standing temple, door or gate guardian of Brahmanic or Buddhist temples usually armed with spear, mace or club, whose presence ensures protection from evil influences.
Funan	Former Chinese name for the ancient empire that precedes the Khmer Empire.
Ganesha	God associated with wisdom and knowledge, son of Shiva and Parvati; he is represented with a human body with an elephant head and trunk that often plunges into a bowl (symbolising the quest for knowledge).
Garuda	Divine bird, with a human body, enemy of the nagas, mount of Vishnu. The garuda-naga is a recurrent motif in Khmer sculpture; the garuda is often represented mounted on the naga.
Harihara	A syncretic divinity combining the attributes of Hari (Vishnu, on the left) and Hara (Shiva, on the right).
Hinayana	“Hinayin”, or ‘Small Vehicle’, Buddhist sect.
Kompong	Pier, port, or village on the bank of a waterway.
Krishna	8th avatar of Vishnu, much venerated god in the Hindu pantheon.
Lakshmi	Consort of Vishnu, Goddess of Beauty, Wealth and Prosperity.
Linga	Symbolic representation of Shiva, in the shape of a phallus, often stylised; it is generally composed of three sections: the square base corresponds to Brahma, the creator, the octagonal middle section corresponds to Vishnu, the preserver, and the circular upper section, corresponds to Shiva; coupled with the Yoni, the whole symbolises male and female forces of Shiva.
Lokesvara	Alternate name for Avalokitesvara, the compassionate bodhisattva.
Mahayana	“Mohanikay”, or ‘Great Vehicle’, Buddhist sect.
Mara	Evil spirit tempting the Buddha who reigns over a heaven of pleasure and sensual delights.
Meru	Mountain at the centre of the world, home of the gods.
Mudra	Symbolic gestures of gods and of Buddha.
Naga	Serpent king, mythic multi-headed serpent (5, 7 or 9 heads); in Cambodia, this serpent has long been associated with water and its benefits; it is symbolically the guardian of prosperity, and treasures; symbol of water, it is a decorative motif in many Khmer temples, where it decorates the entrance balustrades, bridges, moats and reservoirs; nagas of the 12th century are one of the most beautiful realisations of Khmer art.
Nandin	Sacred bull, mount of Shiva.
Nirvana	Final annihilation, supreme aim of Buddhism.
Parinirvana	Buddha’s entry into infinity, also posture for reclining Buddha statues.
Parvati	Consort of Shiva, sister of Vishnu; Goddess of the mountains and of procreation.
Phnom	Literally mountain or hill, it is a privileged setting for temples, and later monasteries, due to its sacred and spiritual function.
Preah	“God”, or sacred
Ramayana	Famous Hindu epic (Khmer: ‘Reamker’); portraying Rama’s struggle to find his consort Sita who is captured by the demon Ravana; thanks to the support of the monkey King Hanuman; scenes from this magnificent tale have been widely used in the ornamentation of temples throughout Southeast Asia.
Sampot	Fabric panel worn round the lower half of the body.
Sanskrit	Indo aryen language which extended over South East Asia, it is originally a scholar language reserved for royal or pincely genealogies, or for the panegyric of the monuments’ foundations or the pious donators. It ceased to be scholar language used in India and Cambodia when Theravada Buddhism (which privileges the use of pali) became the main religion, starting from the 14th century. Sanskrit, through its diffusion in all the peninsula, vehicled cults and religions from India (Hinduism and Buddhism).
Shiva	One of the gods of the Brahmanic trinity, at the same time ‘creator and destroyer’; usually mounted on Nandin (sacred bull), he often bears a third eye and a crescent on his chignon; he is symbolized by the shape of the linga.
Srah	“Pool” or artificial pond
Srei	“Woman”
Stupa	Buddhist monument of funeral or commemorative nature, often containing relics or cremated remains.
Tcheou Ta Kouan	This Chinese traveler who accompanied his embassy in Angkor in 1296 – 1297, is particularly known for his detailed account of the Angkor temples during Jayavarman VII reign, when the Empire knew its apogee. It is the only testimony we have from this period, which depicts the Khmer capital city and its population from a realistic and lively point of view.This journal entitled Memories on the customs of Cambodia has been translated in french and published for the first time in the Bulletin de l’Ecole Française d’Extrême-Orient in 1902.
Tevoda	or Devata, usually female divinity.
Thom	“Big”
Trapeang	“Pond”
Vat	Wat, or pagoda
Veda	Brahmanic laws
Vishnu	One of the gods of the Brahmanic trinity, ‘the protector’ usually mounted on garuda; he generally has four arms, holding the disc, the conch, the the bowl, and the club; Vishnu has many avatars, such as Krishna.
Yama	The God of Death, or, Justice and the Underworld who judges the dead before they can enter the celestial palaces; usually mounted on a buffalo.
Yoni	Symbol of the feminine vulva; it is a square stone, always associated with the linga at its centre (Shiva); on one side, a channel enables the sacred liquid (water, milk or honey) to flow out.

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All you need is a little awareness and a desire to make a difference. When you choose products from companies and organizations that trade fairly, not only are you buying a quality product, but you are also supporting fair prices for the producer which will cover production, wages and more importantly, enable the community to invest in their future.

Fair trade products adhere to many specific regulations such as ensuring safe and hygienic working conditions, non exploitation of children, paying living wages, non excessive working hours, non discrimination practices and no harsh or inhumane treatment.

Some businesses have been trading fairly for years but are outside the categories for which fair trade labels have been developed. To ensure that you don’t judge them unfairly, ask questions about who made the product, where it came from, and who benefits from your purchase. Also, try to minimize your bargaining by remembering that the extra money you pay will go directly to the community.

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Buying local products creates jobs for Cambodians and supports the national economy. In addition, buying souvenirs made in Cambodia helps to preserve and develop traditional Khmer handicrafts.

But many goods in Cambodia’s markets including clothing, shoes, silks, jewellery, stone carvings, metal sculptures, glassware and other consumer favourites are mostly imported. Even the soapstone Apsaras sold in local markets are often made in neighbouring countries. To ensure that the profit from your purchases benefits Cambodians, check carefully where the souvenirs were produced.

Phnom Penh’s Night Market near the riverside and Siem Reap’s Angkor Night Market offer products produced in Cambodia under the Cambodian Governments One Village One Product (OVOP) initiative.

Food can also be a great souvenir -Kampot’s black pepper is said to be the best in the world and purchasing it helps raise living standards in rural provinces. Producers include Kurata Pepper in Phnom Penh and the Kampot Peper Promotion Association. Confirel produces tasty palm wine and palm sugar which also makes great gifts.

Cambodian silk was once amongst the most sought after, but most on sale today is imported. Silk is still hand woven on looms in the traditional way in several places. Your tour leader will be your best guide as to where to purchase silks made in Cambodia.

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The number of tourists visiting Angkor Wat each year is drastically increasing. This phenomenon is quite recent, as are its destructive impacts. Our behavior can make a difference to the preservation of Cambodia’s heritage, so please:

Accept the restrictions placed on the temple complex (i.e do not touch, do not enter).

Avoid touching. Every small touch becomes harmful when repeated by 1,000 people every day.

Avoid climbing unnecessarily on the statues and monuments. If you must take a photo on top of a temple, be selective and choose to climb only one.

Wear appropriate clothing. Angkor Watt is a modern day living temple, so we dress as we would when visiting any other Buddhist Temples (i.e no tank tops, short shorts, etc.). Shoulders and knees must be covered.

Wear appropriate shoes. Avoid high heels and studded soles that can damage the stones.

Mind your backpack. Be careful not to brush up against the walls and damage the stones and bas-reliefs with your backpack.

Stop graffiti. Resist the temptation to scribble your name or draw on the monuments.

Admire from afar. If every visitor to Angkor Wat took home a piece of the temple as a souvenir, the temples would quickly disappear forever.

Shop responsibly. Beware of buying objects on unknown origin. The looting of archaeological sites result in the loss of significant social and cultural treasures and robs the Cambodian people of their history.

Don’t litter. We take our rubbish with us.

Respect silence and other people. The temple complex brings different experiences to different people. Allow other visitors to experience the peace and beauty.

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We often forget that our holidays are spent in other people’s homes and sometimes give little thought to the impact we will have on our holiday destination, its people, culture, economy and environment. Here are some ways to ensure the destination, as a whole, benefits from your visit.

Create an instant smile – Chat with the local people and try to speak their language. You’re sure to get an instant smile and a laugh to seal those memories.

It’s not an exam – If you read up on the places you intend to visit, your experience will be enhanced, but your guidebook is just a guide. To truly experience a place, go off the beaten path. You”ll be glad you did

Slow Down – Our hurried concept of time is not the same in other cultures and local people’s thought patterns differ from your own. Challenge yourself and do like the local people do, just for a day

Create win/win situations – Bargaining is expected in many cultures and we all enjoy the haggling with a smile and a laugh, but it’s easy to carried away trying to find the best deal. Keep it in perspective and remind yourself that small amounts of money to us could equal the cost of an entire family’s meal that night

How big is your ecological footprint? – How heavily to you ‘tread’ on your holiday? Natural resources are precious and the size of your ecological footprint will have an impact. Re-use water bottles, don’t buy wildlife products, turn off lights and air conditioners and think about your waste disposal.

Go local – Buy from local markets and roadside vendors. This keeps money in the local economy and helps local people keep their jobs.

Giving back – Giving gifts and money unfortunately encourages begging. Instead, find a project to support or volunteer your time. This will have a more positive and long lasting impact on both you and them

 

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