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Angkor Wat is a Hindu architectural masterpiece. It was originally constructed by King Suryavarman II to dedicate to Vishnu, and later gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple. Today it stands as the national symbol of Cambodia.
Hindu Origin
Built between 1113 and 1150, Angkor Wat was originally named Vrah Vishnulok, meaning "the Sanctuary of Vishnu". It served as the state temple of Suryavarman II enshrining the Hindu deity Vishnu. Its architectural layout, with three tiers of galleries symbolizing Mount Meru, and reliefs adapted from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, fully embody the Hindu cosmology.
Religious Transition
After the Khmer Empire moved its capital in the 14th century, Angkor Wat was gradually abandoned and swallowed by forests. It was later converted into a Buddhist temple, while retaining most of its original Hindu architectural features.
Architectural Features
Representing the pinnacle of Khmer architecture, the complex is built entirely of sandstone without mortar, using the corbelled arch technique. The central tower reaches 65 meters in height. Surrounded by a moat, its three-layered galleries symbolize Mount Meru, and the exquisite reliefs depict mythological tales as well as daily scenes.
Cultural Status
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Angkor Wat’s silhouette adorns Cambodia’s national flag. It received 955,000 international tourists in 2025. As Cambodia’s iconic landmark, it is also the core of the country’s tourism industry. |
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