Angkor Wat Temple

Angkor Wat With Buddist Monks
Angkor Wat With Buddhist Monks in Front of Reflection Pool
Photo by: tylerdurden1, Creative Commons

Built from 802 to 1220 AD by the Khmer civilization, the temples at Angkor represent one of the most enduring and astonishing architectural achievements of humankind. The more than 100 stone structures that we see today are the surviving remnants of a grand administrative, religious, and social metropolis. The other buildings (public buildings, palaces, homes, etc.) were actually built from wood and do not exist anymore.

Conventional theories assume that the land where Angkor is located was chosen as the settlement spot due to its strategic position for military purposes, as well as its agricultural potential. However, other scholars think that the location and the arrangement of Angkor was based on planet-spanning sacred land from archaic periods.

Angkor Wat was built early in 1100s by Suryavarman over an estimated 30 years and honors Vishnu, the Hindu god. The ruins are a symbolic structure of Hindu cosmology. This is actually the biggest monument in the group, as well as the best preserved. The wonder is located about 4 miles to the north of Siem Reap and south of Angkor Thom, and Angkor Wat is only accessible from its gate to the west.

Angkor Wat consists of a huge temple that symbolizes Mt. Meru, a mythic mountain, and its 5 walls and moats are a representation of mountainous chains, as well as the cosmic ocean. This temple was a funerary temple built for King Suryavarman II. The vast compound’s short dimensions are aligned precisely along the north-south axis, and the east to west axis was diverted deliberately 0.75° to give its observers an anticipation of the equinox in spring for 3 days.

Pictures & Photos

14 Responses to “Angkor Wat Temple”

  1. SJB says:
    April 14, 2009 at 12:48 am

    This was not helpful for my report.

  2. Bonna Tim says:
    July 30, 2010 at 1:10 am

    I’m very happy that i can see the best photo of ANGKORWATT

  3. Thiri says:
    August 25, 2010 at 10:39 am

    This is so interesting for me that I can see Angkorwatt that is described in my text book.

  4. Nayan Nath says:
    February 7, 2011 at 6:34 am

    Angkor Temple is the world largest Vishnu Temple of Hinduism

  5. ANIZVL says:
    April 26, 2011 at 11:01 pm

    Si su dios hablara…

  6. The Angkor says:
    June 3, 2011 at 2:44 am

    It’s really great to see Angkor Wat temple here. Cool! it’s proud for Khmer (Cambodia) to show out to the world. Instead of all Khmer thanks for this.

  7. amatak says:
    September 12, 2011 at 5:49 am

    Angkor is the most wonderful temple in the world.

  8. PP says:
    October 17, 2011 at 10:50 am

    I’m Cambodian. I’m proud that Angkor Wat stand on this website. Thank you very much that you wrote nicely about Cambodia. I’m proud to be Khmer. Welcome for all who want to visit Cambodia. We serve you the best. Cambodia kingdom of Wonder. :)

  9. Raksa says:
    November 7, 2011 at 1:41 am

    i support Angkor Wat for the world best Things !

  10. Chansovanvoleak Meas says:
    November 19, 2011 at 11:42 pm

    I love Cambodia. Cambodia ,kingdom of wonder!

  11. Sobotta says:
    November 26, 2011 at 3:15 am

    Ankor Wat is the best wonder of the world. It was built by Khmer’s greatest ancestors to symbolize that this nation is the greatest nation in South East Asia.

  12. Grace says:
    January 4, 2012 at 1:38 am

    Cool !!! Interesting photos & facts about Angkor Watts….

  13. emelia says:
    January 18, 2012 at 8:26 am

    ive been their last december, what a magnefacient world.ii was amaze by there structure…

  14. Vannsok Vansakd says:
    January 19, 2012 at 7:59 pm

    I really love Angkor Wat. We are warmly welcome all visitors from over the world.

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