Ankor Wat The Temples of Ankor Wat

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and one of Cambodia's most iconic landmarks. Originally built in the early 12th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, it later became a Buddhist temple and remains a significant spiritual and cultural site today. This book contains all you need.

• Built in the early 12th century (around 1113-1150 AD) by King Suryavarman II of the Khmer Empire.
• Initially a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, reflecting Hindu cosmology and mythology.
• By the late 12th century, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple.
• The temple was never abandoned and has been in use for centuries, making it unique among Angkorian temples.

• Symbolism: Designed to represent Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods in Hinduism.
• Layout: A three-tiered pyramid with five towers, forming a quincunx pattern (like the dots on a die).
• Moat & Causeway: Surrounded by a vast moat (almost 200 meters wide), which symbolizes the cosmic ocean.
• Bas-Reliefs: The temple walls feature detailed carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Orientation: Unlike most Khmer temples that face east, Angkor Wat faces west, which is associated with Vishnu and also symbolizes death.

• Though never truly lost, Angkor Wat was "rediscovered" by French explorer Henri Mouhot in the 19th century.
• The temple became the focus of extensive restoration efforts in the 20th and 21st centuries.
• Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1992) and a major tourist attraction.

• Still an active Buddhist site, where monks and locals come to pray.
• The temple appears on Cambodia's national flag, symbolizing national pride.
• A site of major festivals like the Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben (Ancestor's Day).

• Location: Near Siem Reap, Cambodia.
• Best Time to Visit: Sunrise is the most famous time to see Angkor Wat due to its stunning reflections in the moat.
• Angkor Pass: Required for entry (sold as 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day passes).
• Nearby Temples: Other famous temples in the Angkor complex include Bayon Temple (with its iconic stone faces) and Ta Prohm (famous for tree roots growing over the ruins).

• It is one of the largest religious structures ever built.
• The temple took over 30 years to complete.
• Some scholars believe it also functioned as a mausoleum for King Suryavarman II.
• The entire Angkor Wat complex covers 162.6 hectares (about 400 acres).
• Featured in movies like Tomb Raider (2001), starring Angelina Jolie.