A visit to Cambodia isn’t complete if you haven’t been to Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is one of the finest ancient monuments to be available to the mankind. Located in the northern province of Siem Reap, this temple dates to the 12th century. The temple was built by King Suryavaram II as a gift to Vishnu.
The first glance at the majestic temple is awe-inspiring. The intricate Angkor Thom style of art that the structure boasts is quite fascinating. The temple is one of the top most archeological sites in South-East Asia, making it a must-visit place in Cambodia.
Let’s learn some fun facts about the temple!
Exploring the Massive Temple
Angkor Wat spans over an area of 400 km2, which means that when you enter it, you will be moved by its vastness. When it comes to exploring the temple, it is important to know that it is a little tricky due to its huge size. The area that the temple covers is so massive that one would need to stop for a second to decide where they want to head.
When afar, the temple appears like a colossal stone structure. However, when you get close, you witness several beautiful elevated towers with gorgeous galleries, courtyards, porches, and much more. The stairways are linked to one another on different levels, allowing you to access every part of the temple.
One of the most fascinating features of Angkor Wat is its breathtaking towers. There are a total number of five towers on the third level of the temple with four in the corners and one in the middle. This unique architectural feature if the temple is known as quincunx. Due to the placement of the tiers, one over the other, the temple resembles a conical shape.
The Statue of the god Vishnu
Within Angkor Wat, you will witness the mesmerizing statue of the god Vishnu, who is known as a protector. The statue stands in the central tower of the temple. A visit to this temple will be a rich learning experience. There are many reliefs throughout the temple with one located in the southeast depicting the Hindu Story of ‘churning of the sea milk’ utterly impressively. This breathtaking relief is considered one of the most spectacular works of art in the temple.
Artistic Phenomenon
Angkor Wat is not just a religious and spiritual masterpiece, but also an architectural phenomenon, explaining a lot about ancient art. Due to its huge size, the structure took a long time to be completed. The moat around the temple is massive and built using sand and silt. Because it was the olden times when machinery wasn’t available, it would have taken thousands of people to build the temple.
If you head to the central tower, you will find a shaft that will take you to a chamber which is most famous for its archeological finds including two crystal pieces and two gold leaves.
Visiting Angkor Temple will enlighten your mind and help you learn more about the fascinating history of Cambodia.
