|
Angkor is the life
and soul of the Khmer people, which consists
about ninety percent of the Cambodia's population. It is
the Khmer art and civilization, representing the
spiritual heart and identity of the people, and
the power of the Khmer Kingdom, which presided
over most of present Southeast Asia between 800
and 1430AD and is now the most famous tourist
attraction in Cambodia.
Photo: Terrace of Elephants in Angkor Thom
 The Angkor complex
covers 400 square kilometers and these temples of Angkor has
become the most visited place in Southeast Asia.
The Khmer kings built a series of temples from
between the 9th and 13th centuries. The three
most spectacular temples here are the Angkor Wat, the
capital enclosure of Angkor Thom, home to the Bayon with more than two hundred enormous carved
faces and Ta Prohm which is covered mostly by
gigantic tree roots.
At the center stands Angkor Wat, the largest and most famous of all the
temples and one of the seven wonders of the
world. The temples were built between the 7th
and 13th centuries by Khmer kings at a time when
Khmer civilization was at the height of its
extraordinary creativity. Its magnificent
architecture stands as evidence of the Khmer's
strong belief in religions which are Hinduism and
Buddhism. King Jayavarman VII was one of the
most powerful Khmer kings of that period.
Visitors from all across the globe come here
just to catch a glimpse of these famous temples
in Cambodia.
The most visited
temples of Angkor are Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom -
home to the Bayon, Baphuon, Phimeanakas, Takeo, Ta Prohm,
Banteay Kdei, Pre Rup, East Mebon, Prasat Kravan,
Preah Khan, Neak Poan, Ta Som, Banteay Srei and
the Rolous Group (formerly Hariharalaya).
 Angkor Wat is the
largest Buddhist temple in the world. Covering an area
of 200 ha, this will be the most magnificent
structure you will ever laid eyes upon. It was built by King Suryavarman
II in the early 12th century and it took almost thirty years
to complete. When you enter Angkor Wat, you will
see an imposing square column. On all four sides
of this column are sculptures with each one telling
a different story. The first wall depicts how
the Angkor Empire was built, and how the king
and his generals planned and fought in
battlefields. The second depicts Hindu
reincarnation. The third wall tells how Vishnu
protected the kingdom and her people. And the
last wall shows how the people revered, praised
and glorified their god-king. The most
magnificent section of its bas relief is the
Churning of the Ocean of Milk scene. Photo: Gate at Angkor Thom
A popular entrance
here to savor the beauty of the temples of
Angkor is going through the South Gate of Angkor
Thom, the Great City which houses Bayon, Baphuon,
Baksei Cham Krong, the Elephant Terrace, Leper
King Terrace and the Royal Enclosure (Royal
Palace Group). Tourists must not miss this
extraordinary place when visiting Southeast Asia
since the Temples of Angkor has become one of
the most amazing monuments ever being built by
mankind besides being one of Asia's most famous
attractions.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
|