Angkor Wat - the Iconic Symbol of Cambodia

Angkor Wat also known as Angkor Vat, is situated inthe two plans of Khmer architecture. The galleried
Angkor, Cambodia and is a temple complex. Thetemple comes from a more recent time. This was
temple was built during the early 1100s by Kingbased on early South Indian architecture, and includes
Suryavarman II (who ruled 1113 – c. 1150). Kingimportant aspects such as the Jagati. There is also a
Suryavarman II built this structure as his nationalmoat and an outer wall spanning a length of 3.6
temple and capital city. The temple is the bestkilometres with three rectangular galleries one raised
conserved temple at the site and is the only templeabout the other. At the centre is a quincunx of
to still remain as an important religious centre since itstowers, and unusually the Angor Wat is oriented to
initiation. The temple was initially a Hindu templethe west, unlike the other temples in Angkor.
dedicated to Vishnu but was later turned into aNumerous guardian spirits (devatas) adorn the walls
Buddhist temple. The temple is now iconized as itof Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat literally means “City
appears on the national flag of Cambodia. The templeTemple”. A day would not be enough to explore
captures the essence of the high classical style ofthe entire area which is dotted with many temples. A
Khmer architecture.stay in a Siem Reap Hotel would help to spread the
The temple was created to symbolise Mount Meru,visit load. And if one is looking for better relaxation
which is the home of the devas (gods,deities or demione can try a luxury hotel in Siem Reap. (Siem Reap
gods) according to Hindu mythology. There is theis the closest town to Angkor Wat.
temple mountain and the galleried temple; these are