Pic Credit: Britannica
Feb 7: Angkor Wat is a stunning temple complex in Cambodia that dates back to the 12th century. It is the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also considered to be one of the eight wonders of the world, along with the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, and others.
Angkor Wat was built by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, the supreme god of the Hindu pantheon. It later became a Buddhist temple, as Cambodia converted to Buddhism in the 13th century. The temple is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, featuring intricate carvings, soaring towers, and a moat that surrounds the entire complex.
The temple is divided into three levels, each representing a different realm of Hindu cosmology. The lowest level represents the underworld, the middle level represents the earthly world, and the highest level represents the heavenly world. The central tower, which rises 65 meters above the ground, symbolizes Mount Meru, the mythical abode of the gods.
Angkor Wat is not only a religious site but also a historical and cultural treasure. It contains thousands of bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu epics, such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as events from Khmer history and mythology. The temple also showcases the artistic and technological achievements of the Khmer civilization, which flourished between the 9th and 15th centuries.
Angkor Wat is a must-see destination for anyone who loves history, culture, and art. It is a place where you can marvel at the beauty and complexity of human creativity and spirituality. It is a place where you can feel awe and wonder at the legacy of an ancient civilization that still inspires millions of people today.
By
Sujata Muguda
Shreyas WebMedia Solutions