Magnificent sculptures of a Radiating Lokeshvara dominated the regional

Magnificent sculptures of a Radiating Lokeshvara dominated the regional centers of power across the Khmer Empire during the reign of Jayavarman VII at the end of the twelfth century. They were a symbol of his strength and devotion to Buddhist principles that left no-one in any doubt as to who was in charge, though he tempered that by building a series of hospitals and rest chapels for his subjects. These larger-than-life sculptures have been found as far afield as Takeo in the south of Cambodia, at Angkor of course and across to Muang Singh in southwest Thailand. His kingdom stretched far and wide and these sculptures dominated the main religious shrines in each key area. They all follow a similar theme in their appearance. Usually towering over a normal-sized human, the eight arms radiating out from the body would hold attributes such as a sword, rosary, book, flask and lightning bolt. The muscled torso would be covered in miniature Buddha figures, as well as the arms and toes. Another eight larger Buddhas would be carved around the waist, and like his eight arms they depict the cardinal directions and symbolize his compassion and cosmic role as protector and saviour of humanity’s suffering. His short belted sampot with a single fishtail pleat is his only clothing, and the front of his cylindrical chignon headdress would display a seated meditating Amitabha Buddha, together with an omnipresent half-smile oozing serenity, self-assurance and composure. I have collected together fifteen Radiating Lokeshvara sculptures – often known as Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Lord who looks in every direction) outside of Cambodia – that I have found in museums and elsewhere, most missing their arms, some their heads and legs but still retaining their powerful enigmatic presence.