ANGKOR WAT – AMAZING PLACES TO TRAVEL WHEN YOU ARE IN CAMBODIA

Angkor Wat is one of the famous and historic temples built during the period of king Suryavarman II. This beauty was built during the 12th century C.E. This temple was built as a State Temple of Angkor and also to make it the capital city of Angkor. Among various temples built during the 11th and the 12th century C.E. this temple finds a significant spot as it is still remaining as a perfect symbol of good artistic work and religious foundations. King Suryavarman II built this temple in devotion to God Vishnu. No other temples were built giving importance to one single God. The Khmer architecture is clearly revealed in this temple. Later on knowing the importance of this temple, its picture was made appearing on the Cambodian national flag. This tells you the specialty of this Vishnu temple.

History of Angkor Wat:

This great architectural work of Angkor Wat is situated 5.5 kilometers to the north of the city of Siem Reap. It is also very close to the previous capital of Baphuon. This place in Angkor is well known for the most important and significant ancient structures. The design and construction of the Angkor Wat was carried out in the early 12th century in the period of king Suryavarman II. Still the original name of the temple is a mystery and no one knows it. No inscription regarding the temple or Stella kept during its foundation were not found by archaeologist. Before the complete construction of the temple king Suryavarman II died, this led to some incomplete work in the temple. 27 years after the death of king Suryavarman II, the Angkor was attacked and sacked by the Khmer’s traditional enemies called the Chams. It took a lot of time for the recovery of Angkor and King Jayavarman VII restored the entire Angkor. He then established another unique state temple under his rule and also to act as the capital. It was named the Angkor Thom and it was built to the north of the Angkor Wat.

Source: Vanessa Kade

The style of Angkor Wat:

The Angkor Wat was built with two basic plans for the temple architecture; they are the Temple Mountain and the Galleried Temple. The idea of galleried temple plans was entirely followed from the South Indian Hindu architectural style, especially from Tamil Nadu. Some of the features of Tamil Nadu architecture are followed absolutely like the Jagati, etc. This design of Angkor Wat was designed to represent the Mount Menu, which in Hindu Mythology is referred to the Deva’s home. There are three rectangular galleries located along the outer wall of the Angkor Wat at a distance of 3.6 km. A Quincunx of towers is located at the center of the temple.

Source:mls

The richness of the temple is still being admired by people from all over the world. The architectural style in which the temple was built, numerous bas – reliefs and the devatas in the walls of the temple was adorning and amazing creation of the builders

- See more at: http://www.gono.net/angkor-wat-amazing-places-to-travel-when-you-are-in-cambodia/#sthash.DRcB2LAL.dpuf