Amazing Angkor Wat Temple! Cambodia Travel

Amazing Angkor Wat Temple! Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia, located on a site measuring 162.6 hectares (1,626,000 m2; 402 acres). The Guinness World Records considers it as the largest religious structure in the world. Originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire by King Suryavarman II during the 12th century, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the century; as such, it is also described as a “Hindu-Buddhist“ temple. Angkor Wat was built at the behest of the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yaśodharapura (Khmer: យសោធរបុរៈ, present-day Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple-mountain and the later galleried temple. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat more than 5 kilometres (3 mi) long and an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. The temple is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and art. The walls and towers are decorated with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple is also home to a large number of bas-reliefs, which depict scenes from the life of King Suryavarman II, as well as scenes from Hindu mythology and Buddhist cosmology. Angkor Wat was abandoned by the Khmer in the 16th century, and was rediscovered by the French in the 19th century. It has since been restored and is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cambodia. Here are some interesting facts about Angkor Wat: Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world. It is believed to have taken over 30 years to build. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It was originally built as the state temple of the Khmer Empire. Angkor Wat was abandoned by the Khmer in the 16th century. It was rediscovered by the French in the 19th century. It is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cambodia. Angkor Wat is a truly magnificent temple complex that is a testament to the power and artistry of the Khmer Empire. It is a must-see for any visitor to Cambodia.