Angkor Wat - Heritage of Humanity and World Wonder - Siem Reap Province
Angkor Wat which literally means ‘City
Temple’ is a Hindu temple complex built to replicate the heavens on
earth. Constructed for King Suryavarman II in the early twelfth
century, it is the best-preserved temple and is the only one to have
remained a significant religious centre since its foundation; first
Hindu, dedicated to Vishnu, then Buddhist. The temple is the epitome of
the high classical style of Khmer architecture. This magnificent temple
combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture; the temple
mountain and the later galleried temple, based on early South Indian
Hindu architecture. Constructed within a moat and an outer wall 3.6
kilometres (2.2 miles) long with three rectangular galleries, each
raised above the next, it is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of
the devas in Hindu mythology.
At the centre of the temple stands a
quincunx of towers. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is
oriented to the west and this has scholars divided as to its
significance. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the
architecture. The extensive bas-reliefs and the numerous guardian
spirits adorning its walls serve as evidence of the strong Khmer
religious beliefs.
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