SIEM REAP
PROVINCE
+ Angkor
Wat
Angkor Wat
is located about 7 kilometers north of Siem Reap provincial town along Komai or
Charles De Gaul Road. The temple was built in the early 12th century
during the reign of King Suryavarman II (AD 1113-1150) is unrivaled in its
beauty and state of preservation. It is an expression of Khmer art at its
highest point of development.
Some
believed Angkor Wat designed by Divakarapadita, the chief adviser and minister
and minister of the king, dedicating to Vishnu Brahmanism. The Khmers attribute
the building of Angkor Wat to the divine architect Visvakarman. There has been
considerable debate amongst scholars as to whether Angkor Wat was built as a
temple or a tomb.
Angkor Wat,
according to Coedes, is a replica of the universe in stone and represents an
earthly model of the cosmic world. The central tower rises from the center of
the monument symbolizing the mythical Mount Meru, situated at the center of the
universe. Its five towers correspond to the peaks of Meru; the outer wall to
the mountains at the edge of the world; and the surrounding moat to the oceans
beyond.
Originally,
the temple was called Prasat Paramavishnuloka. However, the evolution of the
name Angkor Wat can be drawn by history. The first proof existed in the 16th
century, when the temple became a well-known Buddhist place. According to a 16th
century inscription, its name was Preah Mohanokor Indrabrat Preah Visnuloka.
In a 17th century inscription,
it was called Indrabratnokor Sreisodhara Visnuloka. Angkor Wat is a simple name
to refer to this holy place. Khmer People, especially those living in and
around Siem Reap, often refer to Angkor Toch. However, European authors decided
on a common name, Angkor Wat. Nevertheless, its original name has not been
forgotten and is known by many people.
Angkor Wat
covers a rectangular area of about 200 hectares defined by a laterite rampart
which is surrounded by a moat that is 200 meters wide. The perimeter of the
rampart measures 5.5 kilometers. The moat is crossed by a huge causeway built
of sandstone block 250 meters long and 12 meters wide. The temple is 65 meters
high. With its massive size and splendor, Angkor Wat was believed to have been
built by the gods rather than by man.
The temple
begins with a sandstone terrace in the shape of a cross. Giant stone lions on
each side of the terrace guard the monument. End of the causeways at the gopura
with three towers of varying heights, of which much of the square columns and a
vaulted roof extends along the moat to the left and right of the gopura.
The
causeway leads to the cruciform gopura or entry tower. The gateways at
ground level on each end of the gallery probably as passages for elephants,
horses and carts, whereas the other entrances are accessed by steps and lead
onto the central promenade. From the central entrance turn right and walk along
the columned gallery coming to the end, where the quality of carving and
intricacy of decoration on the false door is of exceptional beauty.
Continue
eastward along the raised walkway of equally imposing proportions which is 350
meters long and 9 meters wide. A low balustrade formed by short columns
supporting the scaly body of a naga border each side. Along the causeway, the
ceremonial stairs with platforms always in pairs to the left and the right. The
naga balustrade also flames the stairs. There are two buildings, so-called
libraries, stand in the courtyard on the left and right, just past the middle
of the causeway. In front of the libraries are two ponds, which are 65 meters
long and 50 meters wide, ingeniously placed to capture the reflection of the
towers in the water. The one on the left is filled with water, whereas the
other one is usually dry.
The architectural
triumph on the walkway is the cruciform-shaped Terrace of Honor, just in front
of the principle gopura of Angkor Wat. Ritual dance were performed on
this terrace and it may also have been where the king viewed processions and
received foreign dignitaries. From the top of this terrace there is a fine view
of the famous galleries of bas-reliefs on the first platform level.
The
cross-shaped galleries provide the link between the first and second levels.
The unique architectural design consists of covered cruciform-shaped galleries
with square columns forming four courtyards each with paved basins and steps.
Many of the pillars in the galleries of this courtyard have inscriptions
written in Sanskrit and Khmer. At both ends of the north and south galleries
are two libraries of similar form, but smaller than the ones along the entrance
causeway. There is a good view of the upper level of Angkor Wat from the
northern one.
The gallery
of 1,000 Buddhas, on the right, once contained many images dating from the
period when Angkor Wat was Buddhist, but only a few of these figures remain
today. The Hall of Echoes, on the left, is so named because of its unusual
acoustics. Return to the center of the cruciform-shaped galleries and continue
walking eastward toward the central towers. The outer wall of the gallery of
the second level, closest, is solid and undecorated, probably to create an
environment of the exterior of meditation by the priests and the king. The
starkness of the exterior of the second level gallery is offset by the
decoration of the interior. Over 1,500 apsaras line the walls of the gallery,
offering endless Visual the spiritual enchantment.
Only the
king and high priest were allowed on the upper of third level of Angkor Wat.
This level lacks the stately covered galleries of the other two, but as the
base of the five central towers, one of which contains the most sacred image of
the temple, it has and equally important role in the architectural scheme. Like
all of Angkor Wat, the statistics of this level are imposing. The square base
is 60 meters long, 13 meters high, and rises over 40 meters above the second
level. Twelve sets of stairs with 40 steps each-one in the center of each side
and two at the corners-ascend at a 70-degree angle giving access to the topmost
level.
The central
sanctuary soars 42 meters above the upper level. Its height is enhanced by a
tiered plinth. This centra sanctuary originally had four porches opening to the
cardinal directions and sheltered a statue of Vishnu. Today it is possible to
make an offering to a modern image of the Buddha and light a candle in this
sacred inner sanctum. The central core of the temple was walled up some time
after the sacking of Angkor in the middle of the 15th century.
Nearly 500 years later French archaeologists discovered a vertical shaft 27
meters deep with a hoard of gold objects at its base.