A large statue of Garuda or Eagle, sculpted in sand stone, welcomes visitors in the entry hall of the National museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. According to Hindu mythology, Garuda is a personal bearer of Hindu god Vishnu. This particular statue of Garuda was shifted to the museum for safety from its original location in an ancient capital of Cambodia, known as Koh Ker. This capital of Cambodia was set up by King Jayvarman IV (928-941 CE) during his reign, 80 miles north of Angkor, and was known as Chok Gargyar (the Island of Glory) or Lingapura then.
