Wat Athvea is a peaceful site a couple minutes off the main road that runs from Siem Reap to the Tonle Sap.
Because it's right next to a Buddhist temple there are frequently monks at the site.
These young monks are sitting on the steps to the east entry door. However, the devata (sacred women) are in the chamber on the west side of the temple.
The western devata chamber also has some decorative carving on the ceiling.
Upon entering from the west, this devata is immediately to your right. She is exquisitely adorned with a lotus crown, heavy necklace and belt and a rich sampot (waist wrap) decorated with a floral pattern. Her attributes are comparable to the most sacred women of Angkor Wat.
Her right hand gently grasps what was probably a flower bud. Her navel displays three lines, similar to markings found on her sisters at Angkor Wat.
Below each shoulder, she displays a hanging pendant with three sections. This is an indication of rank and it rare, even at Angkor Wat. Here at Athvea all three of the devata display this feature.
Devata #2 is badly deteriorated, but appears to have been of similar rank to her sisters.
Devata #3 is in fine condition. She grasps a small bud with her right hand. Note that each finger wears a ring. Her left hand grasps a long stalk flower in Angkor Wat style.
The devata's attractive face is distinctly Khmer, with a powerful, square shape. Her stomach is unmarked and her breasts are so full they press together, a motif that is hardly seen at Angkor Wat.
The pendents below her shoulders feature 4 segmented sections.
A closer look at her elaborate belt, floral sampot and bejeweled hand.
The outline of Devata #4 is next to her on the wall, unfinished.
On the right side of the door entering the center of the temple is another devata outline, which we label #5.
Finally, devata #6 stands in the Southeast corner of the chamber. Her pose mirrors that of #3, now with her right hand holding a long stalked flower and her left hand cradling a flower blossom..
