Introduction
Angkor derives from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘holy city’; ‘Wat’ in Khmer means ‘temple’. Angkor Wat, located 5.5 km north of the modern town of Siem Reap in northeast Cambodia represents a whole complex of wonderful temples and stonemasonry and artwork throughout this area. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia besides being the single largest religious structure in the world, and surely one of the world’s wonders of art and architecture.
The temples of Angkor were built by the Khmer civilization between 802 and 1220 AD. From Angkor the Khmer kings ruled over a vast domain that reached from Vietnam to China to the Bay of Bengal. Within an area of 120 sq. miles, the ruins contain some of the most imposing monuments in the world, including about a thousand temples, mainly Hindu and some Buddhist; the ancient city, however, had an extent some three times that size, and was home to perhaps 750,000 people. The structures one sees at Angkor today, more than 100 stone temples in all, are the surviving remains of a grand religious, social and administrative metropolis whose other buildings – palaces, public buildings, and houses – were built of wood and have long since decayed and disappeared. Angkor Wat was re-discovered by a French man about 150 years ago among heavy forestry, ready to become one of the most visited archaeological and artistic sites on the planet.
History
The initial design and construction of Angkor Wat took place in the first half of the 12th century, during the reign of Suryavarman II (1113 – c. 1150). Dedicated to Vishnu, it was built as the king’s state temple and capital city. As neither the foundation nor any contemporary inscriptions referring to the temple have been found, its original name is unknown, but it may have been known as Vrah Vishnulok after the presiding deity. Work seems to have ended shortly after the king’s death, leaving some of the bas-relief decoration unfinished. In 1177, approximately 27 years after the death of Suryavarman II, Angkor was sacked by the Chams, the traditional enemies of the Khmer. Thereafter the empire was restored by a new king, Jayavarman VII, who established a new capital and state temple (Angkor Thom and the Bayon respectively) a few kilometres to the north.
In the late 13th century, Angkor Wat gradually moved from Hindu to Theravada Buddhist use, which continues to the present day. Angkor Wat is unusual among the Angkor temples in that although it was somewhat neglected after the 16th century it was never completely abandoned, its preservation being due in part to the fact that its moat also provided some protection from encroachment by the jungle.
The true history of Angkor Wat was pieced together only from stylistic and epigraphic evidence accumulated during the clearing and restoration work carried out across the whole Angkor site. There were no ordinary dwellings or houses or other signs of settlement including cooking utensils, weapons, or items of clothing usually found at ancient sites. Instead there is the evidence of the monuments themselves.
Angkor Wat required considerable restoration in the 20th century, mainly the removal of accumulated earth and vegetation. Work was interrupted by the civil war and Khmer Rouge control of the country during the 1970s and 1980s, but relatively little damage was done during this period other than the theft and destruction of mostly post-Angkorian statues.
The temple is a powerful symbol of Cambodia, and is a source of great national pride that has factored into Cambodia’s diplomatic relations with its neighbour Thailand, France and the United States. The splendid artistic legacy of Angkor Wat and other Khmer monuments in the Angkor region led directly to France adopting Cambodia as a protectorate on 11 August 1863. This quickly led to Cambodia reclaiming lands in the northwestern corner of the country that had been under Thai control since the Thai invasion of 1431 AD. Cambodia gained independence from France on 9 November 1953 and has controlled Angkor Wat since that time.
Angkor Wat Today
Since the 1990s, Angkor Wat has seen continued conservation efforts and a massive increase in tourism. The temple is part of the Angkor World Heritage Site, established in 1992, which has provided some funding and has encouraged the Cambodian government to protect the site. A survey found that around 20% of the devatas were in very poor condition, mainly because of natural erosion and deterioration of the stone but in part also due to earlier restoration efforts. Other work involves the repair of collapsed sections of the structure, and prevention of further collapse.
Angkor Wat has become a major tourist destination. In 2004 and 2005, government figures suggest that, respectively, 561,000 and 677,000 foreign visitors arrived in Siem Reap province, approximately 50% of all foreign tourists in Cambodia for both years. The influx of tourists has so far caused relatively little damage, other than some graffiti; ropes and wooden steps have been introduced to protect the bas-reliefs and floors, respectively. Tourism has also provided some additional funds for maintenance—as of 2000 approximately 28% of ticket revenues across the whole Angkor site was spent on the temples—although most work is carried out by foreign government sponsored teams rather than by the Cambodian authorities.
Architecture and Style
Angkor Wat is the prime example of the classical style of Khmer architecture—the Angkor Wat style—to which it has given its name. By the 12th century Khmer architects had become skilled and confident in the use of sandstone (rather than brick or laterite) as the main building material. Most of the visible areas are of sandstone blocks, while laterite was used for the outer wall and for hidden structural parts.
Angkor Wat is a unique combination of the temple mountain, the standard design for the empire’s state temples, the later plan of concentric galleries, and influences from Orissa and the Chola of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is a representation of Mount Meru, the home of the gods: the central quincunx of towers symbolises the five peaks of the mountain, and the walls and moat the surrounding mountain ranges and ocean. Access to the upper areas of the temple was progressively more exclusive, with the laity being admitted only to the lowest level.
Angkor Wat has drawn praise above all for the harmony of its design, which has been compared to the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. According to Maurice Glaize, a mid-20th-century conservator of Angkor, the temple “attains a classic perfection by the restrained monumentality of its finely balanced elements and the precise arrangement of its proportions. It is a work of power, unity and style.”
Features
Outer enclosure: The outer wall is surrounded by open ground and a moat. Access to the temple is by an earth bank to the east and a sandstone causeway to the west; the latter, the main entrance, is a later addition, possibly replacing a wooden bridge. The outer wall encloses a space, which besides the temple proper was originally occupied by the city and, to the north of the temple, the royal palace. Like all secular buildings of Angkor, these were built of perishable materials rather than of stone, so nothing remains of them except the outlines of some of the streets. Most of the area is now covered by forest.
Central structure: The temple stands on a terrace raised higher than the city. It is made of three rectangular galleries rising to a central tower, each level higher than the last. Each gallery has a gopura (a monumental tower, usually ornate, at the entrance of any temple) at each of the points, and the two inner galleries each have towers at their corners, forming a quincunx.
The outer gallery has pavilions rather than towers at the corners. The gallery is open to the outside of the temple, with columned half-galleries extending and buttressing the structure. Connecting the outer gallery to the second enclosure on the west side is a cruciform cloister called Preah Poan (the “Hall of a Thousand Buddhas”). This area has many inscriptions relating the good deeds of pilgrims, most written in Khmer but others in Burmese and Japanese. The four small courtyards marked out by the cloister may originally have been filled with water. North and south of the cloister are libraries.
Beyond, the second and inner galleries are connected to each other and to two flanking libraries by another cruciform terrace, again a later addition. From the second level upwards, devatas abound on the walls, individually or in groups of up to four. The second-level enclosure may originally have been flooded to represent the ocean around Mount Meru. Three sets of steps on each side lead up to the corner towers and gopuras of the inner gallery. The very steep stairways represent the difficulty of ascending to the kingdom of the gods. This inner gallery, called the Bakan, is a square with axial galleries connecting each gopura with the central shrine, and subsidiary shrines located below the corner towers. The roofings of the galleries are decorated with the motif of the body of a snake ending in the heads of lions or garudas.
Carved lintels and pediments decorate the entrances to the galleries and to the shrines. The tower above the central shrine rises above the ground; unlike those of previous temple mountains, the central tower is raised above the surrounding four. The shrine itself, originally occupied by a statue of Vishnu and open on each side, was walled in when the temple was converted to Theravada Buddhism, the new walls featuring standing Buddhas.
Decoration: Integrated with the architecture of the building, and one of the causes for its fame is Angkor Wat’s extensive decoration, which predominantly takes the form of bas-relief (is a projecting image with a shallow overall depth, for example used on coins, on which all images are in low relief) friezes. The inner walls of the outer gallery bear a series of large-scale scenes mainly depicting episodes from the Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. From the northwest corner anti-clockwise, the western gallery shows the Battle of Lanka (from the Ramayana, in which Rama defeats Ravana) and the Battle of Kurukshetra (from the Mahabharata, showing the mutual annihilation of the Kaurava and Pandava clans). On the southern gallery follow the only historical scene, a procession of Suryavarman II, then the 32 hells and 37 heavens of Hindu mythology.
On the eastern gallery is one of the most celebrated scenes, the Churning of the Sea of Milk, showing 92 asuras and 88 devas using the serpent Vasuki to churn the sea under Vishnu’s direction. It is followed by Vishnu defeating asuras (a 16th-century addition). The northern gallery shows Krishna’s victory over Bana and a battle between the Hindu gods and asuras. The northwest and southwest corner pavilions both feature much smaller-scale scenes, some unidentified but most from the Ramayana or the life of Krishna.
Sarah Widjaja and Saurabh Sud
* * *
Bibliography
1. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/668
2. http://sacredsites.com/asia/cambodia/angkor_wat.html
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angkor_Wat
4. http://www.autoriteapsara.org/en/angkor/temples_sites/temples/
angkor_vat.html
5. http://www.devata.org/2010/01/angkor-wat-top-shrine-reopens-to-visitors/
https://lienminhkjc.com/ là top 10 nền tảng cá cược uy tín với nhiều trò chơi đa dạng cùng với giao diện gần gũi đem lại trải nghiệm cho người chơi hồi hợp, đầy kịch tính
The Adwysd tracksuit combines sleek streetwear design with everyday comfort, crafted from premium fabrics for durability and style. Featuring tapered joggers and a matching hoodie with signature branding, it offers versatility for casual outings or standout street looks. Perfect for trendsetters, it embodies confidence, individuality, and modern streetwear culture.
I know there are still many articles that you are about to write. This is just a little information for you. I’m looking forward to reading the next story. wm slot
I seen your blog post yesterday morning and i also are actually analyzing this item on a normal schedule. You’ve substantial amount of tips correct here so i take pleasure in your thing of an web presence absurdly. Maintain the actual great jobs!free classifieds india
Gambling games online allow players to practice strategies before betting big. internet casino
It’s extremely pleasant and meanful. it’s extremely cool blog. Connecting is exceptionally valuable thing.you have truly helped bunches of individuals who visit blog and give them usefull data
24 stunden pflege zu hause Weinheim
It’s difficult to acquire knowledgeable folks for this topic, nevertheless, you appear to be guess what happens you are talking about! Thanks 상품권현금화
Sp5der is a standout streetwear brand known for its unique web-inspired designs, bold graphics, and vibrant colors. Popular among fashion-forward youth, the brand merges edgy aesthetics with comfort, making it a top choice in modern streetwear culture. Sp5der clothing perfectly balances individuality and trendsetting style.
Nice post. I understand some thing much harder on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to study content from other writers and practice a specific thing from their site. I’d would rather apply certain with all the content on my own weblog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a link in your web blog. Many thanks sharing. rajabandot macau
شيالات السيارة نحن المكان المناسب لكل ما يتعلق بمجال تشليح السيارات والسكراب والصيانة وتجارة قطع الغيار
عند البحث عن زيت هيدروليك ، ننصح بالتركيز على المصادر الموثوقة والتي توفر مجموعة واسعة من الخيارات بأسعار تنافسية.
عند البحث عن بوشات السيارة ، ننصح بالتركيز على المصادر الموثوقة والتي توفر مجموعة واسعة من الخيارات بأسعار تنافسية.
عند البحث عن معاونات السيارة ننصح بالتركيز على المصادر الموثوقة والتي توفر مجموعة واسعة من الخيارات بأسعار تنافسية.
عند البحث عن معاونات ننصح بالتركيز على المصادر الموثوقة والتي توفر مجموعة واسعة من الخيارات بأسعار تنافسية.
Great post! The WLL Company Registration in Bahrain is truly a game-changer for investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals. It’s encouraging to see how the UAE is positioning itself as a long-term hub for global talent.
78WIN – Nhà cái trực tuyến uy tín, tặng thưởng +88K cho tân thủ.
Very informative post ! There is a lot of information here that can help any business get started with a successful social networking campaign ! rbt mock exam
Honestly, your post shines as one of the most articulate treatments of this subject. I fully agree with your insights and anticipate more from you soon. Saying thanks seems too little for the clarity you’ve given. imginn instagram
I’m not certain the place you are getting your information, however great topic. I must spend a while learning more or working out more. Thank you for magnificent info I was searching for this info for my mission. The growth matrix
Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much appreciated. The growth matrix
I rattling pleased to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for also saved to my bookmarks. The growth matrix
Possessing read this I thought it had been quite beneficial. I value you taking time and work to put this article together. I when once again locate myself paying method to significantly time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was nonetheless worth it! The growth matrix
Thanks for sharing, it is a great inspirational thread to will motivate many people to work on new things. The growth matrix
Reading this article gave me a sense of clarity that I didn’t expect. It was worth every minute. Bathroom Design Services
I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again! The growth matrix
Once talking for some time plus getting to know each other, it would be pure to fulfill. It becomes some sort of rather shallow connection if you and him tend to be content to end up being for a long time merely chatting. Each men and women might be seriously seeking another person to help speak with. 소액결제
I appreciate the balance of detail and simplicity in this article. It made the whole experience enjoyable. Concrete Repair Services
Great post! The WLL Company Registration in Bahrain is truly a game-changer for investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals. It’s encouraging to see how the UAE is positioning itself as a long-term hub for global talent.
Bienvenue sur IPTV MOROCCO ! Découvrez nos abonnements IPTV de haute qualité, offrant un accès à une multitude de chaînes du monde entier. Profitez de vos programmes préférés — films, séries et sports — à un prix abordable et avec une expérience sans interruption. Notre support client est à votre disposition 24h/24 et 7j/7 pour vous accompagner. IPTV pour Smart TV Maroc
This content has made me rethink my approach to this subject. That’s the kind of impact it had on me. forex broker comparison
What a thoughtful piece! It highlights the importance of little gestures that make a big difference. I personally believe that sending good luck cards is one of the sweetest ways to show care and support.
Such a fascinating read! Angkor Wat truly stands as a masterpiece of history, spirituality, and architecture — it’s incredible how it still inspires awe after so many centuries. I have tried many activewear brands in the past but I feel that Vuori Clothing delivers a unique balance of comfort, durability, and style that keeps me coming back for more.
The AJet Airlines Antalya Airport Terminal offers travelers a seamless blend of comfort, efficiency, and convenience. Serving both domestic and international flights, the terminal features all the conveniences of a contemporary airport, such as easy-to-use check-in counters, smooth security checks, and spacious waiting areas. Restaurants, cafés, duty-free shopping, and passenger assistance services are just a few of the amenities that AJet Airlines provides to its customers. The design of the terminal is meant to facilitate travel and ensure timely arrivals and departures. Excellent connections and customer-focused services make flying with AJet Airlines at Antalya Airport dependable and comfortable.
This was a very enjoyable read. I appreciated the balance between clarity and depth in your explanation. Please keep sharing more! instadp
At Rando Machine, we specialize in delivering top-tier industrial machinery engineered to meet the demands of modern manufacturing. With decades of expertise, we provide cutting-edge solutions tailored for efficiency, accuracy, and durability. website:https://www.randomachine.com/
CM Solar Panel CM Solar Panel: The Punjab Chief Minister officially launched the Solar Panel Scheme in September 2025. Under this initiative, low-income households across Pakistan were already receiving free…
BISP Registration Check BISP Registration Check; 8171 Registration. Many people who complete their BISP registration process check their CNICs, but they do not know how to complete their eligibility check.…
Check BISP Check BISP; 8171 BISP is a major step taken by the Government of Pakistan to provide financial assistance to poor women and families across the country. Under BISP,…
BISP Check BISP Check: The government of Pakistan has relaunched the 8171 web portal for the BISP beneficiaries who are checking their status as of September 2025. This digital platform…
Bạn yêu thích cảm giác hồi hộp, kịch tính? Bạn muốn thử vận may mỗi ngày ngay trên điện thoại? Truy cập tại 68win – siêu phẩm giải trí đang làm mưa làm gió cộng đồng game thủ!
Xx88 là một thương hiệu trực thuộc liên minh quốc tế KJC, một thương hiệu có tiếng trong lĩnh vực game giải trí trực tuyến toàn cầu.
Discover the benefits of Acupuncture in Surrey with TCM Healing, where traditional Chinese medicine meets modern wellness. Their certified practitioners provide natural solutions for pain relief, stress management, and improved energy flow. Each treatment is personalized, aiming to restore balance and promote long-term health. If you’re looking for a safe, effective, and holistic approach, TCM Healing is your trusted destination in Surrey.
Get expert guidance with Langley immigration consultants at Visa Guru. Their dedicated team helps individuals and families navigate complex immigration processes with ease, offering tailored solutions for visas, work permits, and permanent residency. With years of trusted experience, Visa Guru ensures smooth applications and stress-free results, making them your reliable partner for Canadian immigration services in Langley.
Transform your look with Haircut and styling services South Surrey at Curl & Glow. Their expert stylists specialize in curly haircuts, precision styles, and trendy transformations that highlight your natural beauty. Using eco-friendly products and advanced techniques, they ensure you leave with healthy, gorgeous hair and a confident glow. A go-to destination for premium salon care in Surrey.
Trust the reliable Toilet Repair Plumbers Abbotsford at Year Round Plumbing for fast and professional service. Whether it’s leaks, clogs, or complete toilet replacements, their licensed plumbers handle it all with efficiency and care. Offering 24/7 emergency support, affordable pricing, and guaranteed satisfaction, they ensure your home plumbing stays problem-free. A dependable choice for all your toilet repair needs in Abbotsford.
Smooth your skin with Waxing treatment services in Vancouver at Divine Skin Therapy. Their professional aestheticians provide safe, hygienic, and gentle waxing for all skin types, leaving you with silky-smooth results. Using top-quality products and careful techniques, they minimize discomfort while maximizing comfort. Perfect for those seeking a clean, polished, and long-lasting finish in Vancouver.
Excellent post! It covers the topic in a balanced way while keeping it engaging from start to finish. Honestly, I wish more people shared ideas with this much clarity. Definitely saving this so I can revisit it again later. What I like about Tuesday Blessings is how they encourage people to slow down for a moment and appreciate the little things that bring joy to life.
Stay warm year-round with Heating Services in Vancouver by East West Plumbing. From installation and repair to regular maintenance, their certified team ensures your heating system works efficiently and reliably. With 24/7 emergency availability, transparent pricing, and modern equipment, they keep homes comfortable during every season. Your trusted local experts for dependable heating solutions in Vancouver.
The flight disruption due to Cyprus airport strike
update shocked thousands of passengers in early 2025. Due to the ongoing Cyprus strike flight disruption, Emirates suspended services on one of its most popular routes connecting Dubai with Larnaca, Cyprus.
we specialize in building ethical AI models and applications that drive innovation while ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability. Our AI solutions empower businesses to automate processes, enhance decision-making, and create intelligent applications that prioritize privacy and responsible AI practices.website:https://graycyan.ai/
GrowthWonders is a leading name when it comes to digital marketing training in Noida, offering practical and industry-focused learning experiences. Our training programs are designed to equip students, professionals, and business owners with the latest skills in SEO, social media marketing, Google Ads, email marketing, and more. At GrowthWonders, we believe in hands-on learning, so our courses include live projects, case studies, and real-world marketing campaigns. Our team of experienced trainers ensures every learner gains the confidence to apply strategies effectively in real scenarios. Whether you want to start a career in digital marketing or scale your business online, GrowthWonders provides the right guidance and mentorship to achieve your goals and stay ahead in the digital era.
Shot peening, as offered by Vibra Finish Ltd., is a mechanical surface-treatment that dramatically boosts a metal component’s fatigue life. Tiny spherical media (steel, ceramic, or glass) are fired at high velocity onto the metal surface, creating microscopic indentations.website:https://vibra.com/service/shot-peening/
At Tool Academy, we pride ourselves on offering an extensive range of high-quality tools from top brands. Our product categories include power tools, hand tools, garden tools, and accessories, ensuring you have everything you need to get the job done efficiently and effectively. Our knowledgeable staff is always on hand to provide expert advice and recommendations, helping you choose the right tool for your specific needs.website:https://www.toolacademy.com/