The approach to the western entrance gopura, lined with columns whose upper portions seem to be supported by stylized lion figures

A sole remaining asura, demon enemy of the gods, sitting to one side of the western entrance. Originally, more asuras lined this side of the causeway, while the opposite side was lined with figures of gods.

Garuda, part-bird part-human creature, is also the traditional mount of Brahma and arch-enemy of naga, the multi-headed snakelike creatures whose realm is the waters of the earth. The naga at either side of the garuda's legs here are barely recognizable as such, so severely worn away are they, but in its original state the garuda would have held their tails in his hands.

Western gopura at Preah Khan

A row of yogis in meditation

Bombax or silk-cotton tree. The sprightly dynamism of its branches belies the ponderousness of its massive root system

Temple-guardian lion

The western gopura. Two dvarapala, temple guardians, now headless, flank the entry. On the pediment over the arched opening is a scene from the Battle of Lanka from the Ramayana.

The western gopura, viewed from the south