While returning from Australia to India,
had a chance to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Its one of the greatest
Hindu-Buddhist temple complex covering 1.6 km2 within the ancient Khmer capital
city of Angkor. It was originally constructed in 1150 CE as a Hindu temple
dedicated to deity Vishnu. It was later gradually transformed into a Buddhist
temple towards the end of the century. Hailed as the largest religious
structure in the world, it is one of the best examples of Khmer architecture
and a symbol of Cambodia, depicted as a part of the Cambodian national flag.
It was built at the behest of the Khmer
king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yasodharapura as his state
temple and eventual mausoleum. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of
the devas in Hindu mythology and is surrounded by a moat more than 5km. The
temple complex fell into disuse before being restored in the 20th century with
various international agencies involved in the project. Having brought up in
the state of Tamil Nadu with so many huge and gigantic temples, Angkor Wat is
yet another temple with not so maintained one.
Cheers,
Sathish Kumar S
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