Joanna James
Boasting a peculiar and a mysterious outlook, the Angor Temples is certainly one of the worlds most polarising religious monuments. The architectural ingenuity, the scale of construction and the perfect execution of engineering at the temple still baffle historians and scientists. If you aren’t still mystified, here are 9 more interesting facts about this ancient edifice that will certainly inspire awe in your minds!
The temple features a unique design movement and historians state that it deeply represents the purest forms of classical Khmer architecture.
More than 50 per cent of tourists visit Cambodia just to see this temple and the Cambodians are indeed proud of it. Their gratitude towards this megalithic monument is showcased to the international world through its national flag. This makes Cambodia one of the two countries of the world that features a monument on its national flag. The other is Afganistan.
The temple has been built to represent the Mount Meru, which is mythical yet a sacred site in Hindu mythology. The mountain is believed to have five peaks and to be the centre of the universe, of all spiritual, physical and metaphysical existence. It is also regarded as the home of the creator god Brahma.
Unlike the temples in the surrounding region which faces east, Angkor is aligned towards the west. The temple has been constructed as to face the setting sun, the brilliant rays of the evening sun make the monument glow and the view of the temple in the evening hours is indeed a sight to behold!
The temple was only known by the name Pisnulok until the sixteenth century it was the name originally given to the temple by King Suryavarman the second who had built Angkor wat.
Owning to its historic splendour, magnificent architecture and religious significance, the site was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in the year 1992. Since then the site gained popularity around the globe and started receiving millions of visitors each year. It has been estimated that over 2 million tourists visit the Angkor Wat each year. The site brings in tranquillity into the hearts and it instils a profound sense of calm within the minds of the visitors - this is a common review from the people who visit the site.
Angkor is home to a multitude of temples and other historic sites. These include Angkor Thom, Bayon temple and a myriad of ruins that were once magnificent temples and palaces. So make sure that you visit these too for a bonus travel experience!
Suryavarman was a devotee of Lord Vishnu and unlike other kings who practised Saivism who regarded lord Shiva as their supreme God, he considered Vishnu to be the most powerful of all. Thus, he built this temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The temple is embellished in an extensive range of meticulously crafted sculptures which include figures of gods, deities, animals, spirits and mortals; these aren’t just to add to the temples iconic presence, these, in fact, narrate the legends and fables behind Hindu mythology in a more vivid manner.
Being a popular tourist destination, Angkor Wat certainly brings delight to those who love to explore. The site is also surrounded by numerous Siem Reap dining and accommodation options the likes of Anantara Angkor Resort. if you decide to plan your stay at any of these establishments visiting here would be very much easier. Even if not, you could find numerous transportation options both private and public to directly reach the temple site.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
