The Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia is one of the world’s largest religious monuments. Angkor means ‘capital city’ which is a vernacular form of nokor that comes from the Sanskrit term Nagara. The term ‘Wat’ is a Khmer word for temple grounds.
Visiting Angkor temple is like getting into a Jungle Book. You’ll find massive ruins of temples that were built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire. And the sight of these ruins spread across huge areas of land is truly fascinating and thought-provoking.
Rest assured, the following pictures of Angkor Wat will better explain all that I’m talking about and convince you why it should be on your bucket list now.
The 7-story pyramid at Koh Ker
Koh Ker was one of the two rival capitals of the Khmer Empire established by King Jayavarman. Herein exists the 118-foot, seven-story pyramid which certainly served as the state temple of Jayavarman IV.
1. Elephant statue at Leak Neang temple
Angkor Wat Temple
Angkor Wat Temple was dedicated to Lord Vishnu by King Suryavarman II who reigned between 1131-1150. It took over 30 years to build the temple and today it is widely recognized for having the world’s longest continuous bas-relief running along the outer gallery walls, telling the stories imbibed in Hindu mythology. However, like almost all the temples of Angkor, it was later converted from a Hindu to a Buddhist temple.
Alongside this, the Angkor Wat temple is easily recognizable because of its quincunx of towers. More so, it is the only temple in Angkor facing the west direction, the rest all the others are east-facing.
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2. Bayon Temple
Located at the heart of the Angkor Thom complex, Bayon Temple is one of the most popular places in Angkor. Herein, you’ll find some unique and impressive bas-reliefs that depict the land and naval warfare, different market scenes and some even depict the construction of the temple. It is believed that the uniform shape of the faces closely resembles the king of the city himself. However, reaching the Bayon temple can get quite strenuous as the route involves walking through narrow corridors, steep stairs, and towers.
3. Baphuon Temple
Baphuon Temple, constructed in the 11th century, is a massive pyramid-shaped temple dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Shiva. It once served as the center of the city present before the Angkor Thom. More so, despite its partial collapse over the years, Baphuon still remains a glorious sight, offering visitors a glimpse into the brilliance of Khmer architecture. The temple’s pyramid shape is said to symbolize Mount Meru, the mythical home of the Hindu gods.
4. Ta Prohm Temple
Ta Prohm Temple is widely known for its unique blend of architecture and design. Unlike other temples in Angkor, Ta Prohm has been left in a state of partial ruin, and you’ll find massive trees growing amidst its ancient stones. This gives the temple a whole mystical aura and evokes a sense of wonder at the true power of nature. And you know what’s the interesting part? Ta Prohm was used as the filming location for the movie Tomb Raider as it is probably the most photogenic site in Angkor.
5. Banteay Srei Temple
Banteay Srei Temple, located quite far away from the main Angkor complex, is popular for its intricate red sandstone carvings. Built in the 10th century, this temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Here you’ll find the surface decorated with detailed carvings of deities, mythical beings, and scenes from Hindu mythology. However, what sets Banteay Srei apart is its small size and beautifully carved female statues that often leave scholars wondering if it was built by women laborers.
Takeaway
Visiting the Angkor Temples is truly a journey back in time. It offers you a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Cambodia. Each temple has its own story to tell, reflecting the spiritual beliefs and artistic glory of the Khmer people. Exploring these temples is not just a sightseeing experience but also a chance to appreciate the originality and creativity of ancient Indian civilizations.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Why would someone want to visit Angkor Wat?
A. Angkor Wat is a famous religious place where you can observe Buddhist ceremonies, and experience the spiritual energy of the many historical temples existing here.
Q. What is Angkor Wat Cambodia famous for?
A. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world that is truly an architectural masterpiece. It was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II.
Q. What is beautiful about Angkor Wat?
A. The beauty of Angkor Wat resides both in its serene environment and the architectural splendor reflected by the finely built sculptures and temples.
Q. What is the 7 Wonder of the World Cambodia?
A. Angkor is the 7 wonder of the World Cambodia.
Q. What is Egypt’s 7 Wonder of the World?
A. Abu Simbel is one of the seven wonders of Egypt.
Q. Who is the 5th wonder of the world?
A. The Great Wall of China is the 5th wonder of the World.