Angkor Wat temple is one of the most amazing and beautiful monuments in the world. It is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, art, and religion. Here are some more facts about Angkor Wat temple:
- Angkor Wat temple was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, who ruled the Khmer Empire from 1113 to 1150. He dedicated the temple to the Hindu god Vishnu, who was his patron deity.​Sources: (1)(2)
- Angkor Wat temple is the largest religious structure in the world, covering an area of about 400 acres (160 hectares). It consists of five towers that represent the peaks of Mount Meru, the mythical mountain where the gods live in Hindu cosmology. The central tower is the highest, reaching 213 feet (65 meters) above the ground. Sources: (1)(2)
- Angkor Wat temple is surrounded by a moat that is 3.6 miles (5.8 kilometers) long and 656 feet (200 meters) wide. The moat symbolizes the cosmic ocean that encircles Mount Meru. The temple is also enclosed by a wall that is 2.2 miles (3.6 kilometers) long and 13 feet (4 meters) high. The wall has four gates, one on each cardinal direction, with a causeway leading to the main entrance on the west side. Sources: (1)(2)
- Angkor Wat temple is famous for its exquisite bas-reliefs that cover the walls of the galleries and the towers. The bas-reliefs depict scenes from Hindu mythology, such as the churning of the ocean of milk, the battle of Kurukshetra, and the judgment of Yama. They also show scenes from Khmer history and culture, such as royal processions, battles, ceremonies, and everyday life. The bas-reliefs are rich in detail and expression, and showcase the skill and creativity of Khmer artists. Sources: (1)(2)
- Angkor Wat temple is also adorned with thousands of statues and carvings of devatas (female deities), apsaras (celestial dancers), lions, nagas (serpents), and other mythical creatures. The devatas and apsaras are especially remarkable for their variety and beauty. They display different poses, gestures, hairstyles, jewelry, and costumes. Some scholars believe that they represent real women who lived in the Khmer court or society. Sources: (1)(2)
- Angkor Wat temple was originally a Hindu temple, but it was gradually converted into a Buddhist temple in the late 12th or early 13th century, after the Khmer Empire adopted Buddhism as its official religion. Many Hindu statues and carvings were replaced or modified by Buddhist images, such as Buddha statues, bodhisattvas, stupas, and lotus flowers. Angkor Wat temple remains a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists today, and attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists every year. Sources: (1)(2)
