The Naga statue with seven cobra heads at Angkor Wat is a striking example of Khmer religious art and symbolism. Representing the multi-headed serpent deity known as Naga, this sculpture embodies protection, power, and the connection between the earthly and spiritual realms in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

Typically found guarding temple entrances, the seven-headed Naga symbolizes the seven levels of existence and the divine protection of sacred spaces.

Carved from sandstone with intricate scales and fierce, watchful expressions, the statue demonstrates the exceptional skill of Khmer artisans during the 12th century, when Angkor Wat was constructed under King Suryavarman II.

Beyond its aesthetic grandeur, the Naga also reflects the ancient Khmer understanding of cosmology, water symbolism, and the integration of mythological motifs into monumental architecture, making it one of the most iconic features of Angkor Wat’s elaborate temple complex.