Get Closer To Deity At Angkor Wat

It is early 12th century and Khmer King Suryavarman II has just decided to build what would later be the largest religious monument on earth. The Khmer Empire is looking to get its populace closer to God and thus goes out of its way to build a magnificent temple that the people can be proud of. The King calls the temple Angkor Wat, which is Khmer for 'Capital Temple'.

A century later the temple would gradually transform from being a Hindu temple to a Buddhist temple. Today, the temple's name is understood to mean 'city of temples' or 'temple grounds'. The temple is located in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia

A peek into how the Khmer built their temples will demystify the temple. It used the classical Khmer architectural styles by compounding the Temple Mountain and galleried temple ideas.

The temple was designed to represent Mount Meru in the Hindu Mythology. Mount Meru is said to be the residence of Devas. The temple's outer wall runs over a 2.2 miles distance. At the heart of the temple stands a quincunx of towers. The temple is oriented to the western side. It is greatly admired by all those who get a chance to visit it due to its grandeur and extensive bas reliefs.

Travelers that have explored this temple swear that they feel that some deity of some kind is overlooking on them. It is a great place to sightsee and learn about ancient architecture and cultures. Besides, who wouldn't want to brag to their buddies that they have seen the inside of the largest culture-religio monument in the world?

by Kennedy Runo on 07/23/2015 in Sightseeing

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