Angkor Wat Temple
Buddhist Temples | February 23, 2010Angkor Wat or Angkor Vat (meaning ‘City Temple’) is a famous temple located at Angkor in Cambodia. The temple was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II (ruled from 1113-1150), one of the greatest rulers of the Khmer Empire in Southeast Asia that flourished from 9th to 15th century AD. The temple was originally dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu by its builder. The temple, which epitomizes classical Khmer architecture, has also been represented in the national flag of Cambodia and it is one of the main tourist attractions in the country. Angkor Wat temple is a part of the Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History:
Angkor Wat temple was built as king Suryavarman II’s state temple and capital city. Construction work of the temple concluded shortly after the king expired. In 1177, Angkor was vandalized by the Chams, the traditional enemies of the Khmer. Later, Jayavarman VII had restored the empire. In the late 13th century, during the reign of king Srindravarman, Angkor Wat was converted from a Hindu temple into Theravada Buddhist temple and it continues in the like manner even to this day. Angkor Wat’s fame reached the West only in the mid-19th century through the works of Henri Mouhot, a French explorer. The Westerners were so much awed by the beauty of Angkor Wat that they were convinced that the masterpiece was a Roman architectural brilliance.
The architecture:
Angkor Wat temple features combination of two basic architectural plans, namely, the temple mountain and the galleried temple. The design of Angkor Wat symbolizes Mount Meru, abode of the gods in Hindu mythology. The area of the temple is located within a moat and an outer wall and the complex includes three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre lies a quincunx (a geometrical pattern comprising five coplanar points. The wall of the temple features sculptures of numerous devatas.
Location:
Angkor Wat temple is located five and half kilometres north of the city of Siem Reap, the capital of the Siem Reap province. The city is served by Angkor International Airport.
Climate:
Angkor Wat experiences a tropical type of climate with a very heavy rainfall. The winter (extending from November to March) is generally cool and dry. April is the hottest month here. December to February is the best time to visit Angkor Wat.
How to Reach:
Angkor Wat can be reached through Pochentong Airport in Phnom Penh as well. Private cars and buses operate from the airport to the city. Siem Reap can be reached through domestic flights. Buses also connect parts of Cambodia with Laos, Vietnam and Thailand.
Accommodation:
- Kagha Oudorm Guest House
- Angkor Palm Village
- Palm Village Hotel
- Golden temple Villa
- Pavilion Indochine
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Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west; scholars are divided as to the significance of this.
The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs and for the numerous devatas (guardian spirits) adorning its walls.