Angkor Wat Temple Kingdom Of Cambodia

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is a Hindu temple and is the largest religious monument in the world. It was built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yasodharapura, the capital of the Khmer Empire, as the king's state temple and mausoleum. Contrary to the tradition of previous kings who were typically devoted to Shaivism (worship of Shiva), Angkor Wat was dedicated to Vishnu instead. It is the best-preserved temple on the site and the only one to have remained a significant religious center from its founding—first Hindu, then later Buddhist.

The temple represents the pinnacle of classical Khmer architecture. It has become a national symbol of Cambodia, even appearing on the national flag, and is the country's prime tourist attraction. Angkor Wat's layout follows two classical Khmer temple design plans, with key features such as axial symmetry and elevated central towers. It symbolizes the sacred home of the gods in Hindu cosmology.

The temple is enclosed by an outer wall measuring 3.6 km (2.2 miles) and surrounded by a wide moat. Inside, the structure includes galleries, towers, and sanctuaries in a three-tiered, ascending design, with the central tower representing Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu belief. At the core of the temple sits a quincunx (a central tower with four surrounding corner towers).

Angkor Wat was built during the last great phase of Khmer construction. Interestingly, it faces west—an unusual orientation for Hindu temples, which typically face east. Scholars have proposed various theories for this, including symbolic associations with death or Vishnu's role as preserver.

The temple is admired for its grandeur, symmetry, and extensive bas-relief carvings, which depict stories from Hindu mythology and epic tales like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Many Hindu deities are depicted on the temple walls in impressive artistic detail.

The name "Angkor" is derived from the Khmer word meaning "city" or "capital," itself originating from the Sanskrit word "Nagara." The word "Wat" is a Khmer term for "temple" and comes from Pali-Sanskrit. The original name of the temple is believed to have been "Preah Pisnulok" (or in Sanskrit, "Vaara Vishnuloka"), meaning "The Holy Abode of Vishnu." This reflects the temple's original dedication to the Hindu god Vishnu, before it became associated with Buddhism in later centuries.

Historical Context

Angkor Wat is located about 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) north of the modern city of Siem Reap. It is slightly southeast of the ancient Khmer capital and the temple of Baphuon.

Bas-Relief Carvings of Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is one of Cambodia's most important archaeological sites, containing some of the finest examples of Khmer art and ancient architecture. The extensive carvings across its walls present both religious and historical narratives and showcase the sophistication and cultural richness of the Khmer Empire.

Let me know if you'd like the rest of the carvings explained or a summary tailored for a specific use, like a presentation or travel guide!