High in clouds embrace,
Eyes everywhere to see.
How lofty over the land you are,
How profound you've become.
O Lord of the caves on Lingaparvata
O Lord of the heavens on Lingaparvata
What temple is like yours?
What spring flows so sacred?
None can match your solemnity,
None can be so close to heaven.
O lord of the caves on Lingaparvata
O lord of the heavens on Lingaparvata
Crafted by the gods in heaven,
For those needing your grace.
Only one place on earth,
Bounded by forests and star filled waters.
O lord of the caves on Lingaparvata
O lord of the heavens on Lingaparvata
Hidden and unknown in a far off land,
Away from Kailasa,
Away from Arunachala,
Away from Chidambaram.
O lord of the caves on Lingaparvata
O lord of the heavens on Lingaparvata
Each time you appeared my eyes turned,
Resting on your abode I thought,
Is this the temple of the Gods?
Is this the temple of the lord?
O lord of the caves on Lingaparvata
O lord of the heavens on Lingaparvata
High in your golden temple of fire,
Protector of the immortal elixer.
Rain, wind, and thunder for an eternity,
Still you remain Lingaparvata.
O lord of the caves on Lingaparvata
O lord of the heavens on Lingaparvata
O lord, I presented austerities at your doorstep.
Forgive my intrusion.
Yours alone is the temple of the gods,
Your presence is my strength,
My ignorance is my weakness.
O lord of the caves on Lingaparvata
O lord of the heavens on Lingaparvata
O lord of Lingaparvata,
Keeper of the secret knowledge,
I tried to see you.
Only did I hear the howling wind,
Bruised with pain I kneeled before you.
I know your land is holy.
O lord of the caves on Lingaparvata
O lord of the heavens on Lingaparvata
In the deepest part of my soul,
Your burning eye seared my curiosity.
Leaving me to live another day,
Telling all to revere you.
O lord of the caves on Lingaparvata
O lord of the heavens on Lingaparvata
The holy land lying at your feet,
Barays and stone palaces set in place.
The ages have left them empty,
The lions and elephants no longer roar.
But each season reveals your presence.
O lord of the caves on Lingaparvata
O lord of the heavens on Lingaparvata
Lovely Sita caressing the moon,
Lovely Uma in adoring repose,
Lovely Lakshmi with lotus buds,
Ancient earth goddess nourishing forever.
Yours is the holy temple where gods come forth.
O lord of the caves on Lingaparvata
O lord of the heavens on Lingaparvata
O lord, it is no secret,
You placed yourself for all to see.
The land beneath your feet is holy,
The land of New Kuruksetra.
O lord of the caves on Lingaparvata
O lord of the heavens on Lingaparvata
Humbled, I reached your summit,
I came uninvited I had no gifts.
You taught me devotion through pain,
I am indebted to your teaching.
O lord of the caves on Lingaparvata
O lord of the heavens on Lingaparvata
Vaktrashiva wasn't home one day,
Watching Vahni deep in Vaktraguha
I saw you briefly behind the fire,
Your rocky face hid you from me.
O lord of the caves on Lingaparvata
O lord of the heavens on Lingaparvata
Flowers honor you at New Kuruksetra,
Wild fowl play in your shadow.
I walked in your presence unannounced,
I ask your forgiveness.
O lord of the caves on Lingaparvata
O lord of the heavens on Lingaparvata
O lord, seeing you from afar,
Distinct and forever present.
Your stature is regal and powerful,
My breath quivered,
It was your breath not mine.
O lord of the caves on Lingaparvata
O lord of the heavens on Lingaparvata
Lingaparvata:Lingaparvata
Directions to Lingaparvata:Directions to Lingaparvata
Other stories related to the Khmer Empire.
Stones in the Sky - Introduction
Part I - Stones in the Sky - Prelude to Pilgrimage
Part II - Stones in the Sky - The 2nd Entering of Cambodia - July 27, 2002
Part III Section #1 - Stones in the Sky - The secrets of Angkor Wat - March 2003.
Part III Section #2 - Stones in the Sky - The secrets of Angkor Wat - March 2003.
Part IV - Stones in the Sky - Journey to Preah Vihear - May 2004.
Part V - Stones in the Sky - Journey to Beng Mealea - October 2004.
Part VI - Stones in the Sky - Pilgrimages to Vat Phu - April 1-4, 2005, October 21-25, 2005
Apsaras and Devatas - Photo documentation of female divinities at Angkor Wat.