Built in the early 12th century by Suryavarman II, the Angor Wat is the largest religious building in the world, spanning an enormous 500 acres of space. Initially a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, and then Buddhist, the temple complex represents the height of Dravidian Hindu as well as Khmer Buddhist art and architecture and is often referred to as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World' (in fact, all the other known wonders can fit into its front yard!). The mystical spires represent the peaks of Mount Meru, the home of the Hindu Devas. An early morning walk among the ruins suffices to convince even the most jaded skeptic that indeed, if Gods do exist, they would probably hang their crowns at Angkor.

The temple embodies the quintessential romance of the lost city. Rediscovered by the West in 1860 from its jungle terrains, the temples make their appearance on every aspect of Khmer culture, from the national flag to bank notes, airline logos and even beer!	View from the western Baray (water tank) in front of the temple.

Long walls sport bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, stories familiar to all growing up in India, albeit depicted in the fantastic style of Khmer art			Cruciform galleries separate the inner Angkor courtyards

Periodically the temple looks out through ornate balustrades upon stand-alone structures on the outer courtyards		The enormously daunting stairs to the inner enclosure typically ascending at 60 degree angles. Access to the Gods is never easy!

	The main spires of the temple, reaching which is not for the faint of heart!

Angkor What?

Click to continue to wall art on the Angkor