century, is the legacy of King Suryavarman VII, and his masterpiece was constructed in honour of the Hindu God Vishnu and according to a complex design which reflects in every detail Hindu cosmology, mythology, and symbolism.
Angkor Wat, being the state temple of Suryavarman VII, took the design of a ‘temple mountain’. This building style was not unique to Angkor Wat, and similarly the temples of Bakong, Baphuon, Ta Keo, and several others were built this way. This style has a symbolic purpose, as it’s a representation of Mount Meru, which was where in Hindu Mythology it is believed the Gods resided. To what extent the stunning moat which surrounds Angkor Wat was built for aesthetic reasons we can only speculate, but following the belief that the temple represented Mount Meru, the moat was almost certainly built to represent the surrounding ocean. To reach the temple this moat must be crossed via the magnificent causeway which emanates from Angkor Wat’s west side, and at this point you step into Angkor Wat’s outer enclosure.
On passing through the gates of the 1 kilometer square outer enclosure the sheer immensity and beauty of Angkor Wat in all its glory starts to unravel before your very eyes. A first set of columned windowed corridors house a powerful statue of the God Vishnu, decorated in golden robes, from where you can descend into the main complex and feast your eyes on the central structure of Angkor Wat. The three tiered complex is adorned with a quincunx of towers which have become an icon of Cambodia, and the perfection and symmetry in design of these towers becomes evident as you circumnavigate the site. The central lotus style tower emanates above the rest at whichever point you view the complex , and as you set foot into the main complex through one of the gopuras of the lower level gallery the significance of Angkor Wat starts to become apparent. Dominating the lower level a kilometer long stretch of incredible intricate carvings, both dramatic and humorous in equal measure depicts all manner of scenes of war, religion, and regal life. After exploring this beautiful art you can venture to the libraries, galleries and corridors of this immense complex before heading up to the second tier where you will emerge in the elevated courtyard built around the central tower. Perfect carvings of Aspara dancers, devas, asuras and more depictions from Hindu mythology decorate Angkor Wat and are seemingly never out of view.
This amazing man-made phenomenon must be seen to be believed. In the light of dusk, throughout the day, or under the setting sun, Angkor Wat has kept visitors spellbound since it was opened to the world quite recently. Be sure to not miss Angkor Wat while in Indochina and Cambodia.
