Angkor Wat is a massive temple complex just north of the Cambodian city of Siem Reap. It was originally built as a Hindu temple devoted to the god Vishnu in the early 12th century. However, by the end of the century it had become (& still remains) a Buddhist site. It was the main temple for the capital city of the Khmer empire (which encompassed much of what is now Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand) and lasted from 802 to 1481 AD. In fact, the word “Angkor” means “capital city” & “Wat” means “temple” in the Khmer language.
The entire site stretches across more than 400 acres and may be the largest religious site in the world. At the main complex, a 15 foot high rectangular stone wall, surrounded by a wide moat, protected over 200 acres of land inside. Within the walls there was a city, the temple & the emperor’s palace. Since only the walls & the temple were built from stone, they are unfortunately the only structures which remain today.
The temple was constructed to align with the four cardinal directions, with the main entrances along the east/west axis. It was designed to represent Mount Meru, which is believed by both Hindus & Buddhists to be the home of the gods. The five central towers of the temple were intended to recreate the five peaks of the sacred mountain, while the walls & moat below represent surrounding mountains & sea.
Here are two photo galleries from our visit to Angkor Wat:
Oh my. Another place I’ve always wanted to see and experience. The photos are amazing; I especially like the one of Angela in profile behind the sculpted screen. So happy you got to be there.
Yes! Angkor Wat was on both of our bucket lists. The place is amazing & the people are wonderfully friendly. Chris spent a lot of time on that art shot! Glad you liked the pics!