6 Things You Didn’t Know About Angkor Wat In Cambodia
Cambodia has become an exotic destination for the most seasoned travelers. A country that is emerging and attracting the eyes of more and more visitors, eager to discover places as beautiful as its temples. We are going to talk about the best known. We want to tell you some things that you may not know about Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
A little history about Angkor Wat
This temple began to be built in the 12th century to be used as the religious and political center of the Khmer Empire, which dominated that territory at that time. The enclosure, in addition to the religious function, housed the royal palace and it is estimated that up to 20,000 people lived there.
Its structure is common among Hindu temples, although there is no one as spectacular as this one. This way of building is called temple-mount, since they were built imitating Mount Meru, a sacred mountain where the gods of this religion were believed to live. However, this temple was dedicated to only one: Vishnu.
In terms of its shape, the temple has three concentric rectangular enclosures. They are surrounded by a perimeter lake and inside five towers rise, the central one with a height of 65 meters.
Things you didn’t know about Angkor Wat in Cambodia
A construction as colossal as that of Angkor Wat in Cambodia hides countless secrets that are within the reach of only a privileged few. Today we want to reveal them to you.
1. It is the largest religious site in the world
Yes, not only is it the most impressive Hindu temple, but there is also no larger religious site than this one. Along with the main building there are other temples around it, shaping the largest religious structure built by man before the 20th century. No wonder Cambodians are proud of him.
2. It is inhabited by monks
Over the centuries, many of Cambodia’s temples were abandoned and ‘eaten’ by nature. However, it is still inhabited by monks, who have been in charge of taking care of it and not allowing nature to enter. An impressive conservation job.
3. It is the most representative of Khmer architecture
Although all Hindu temples follow a pattern, Angkor Wat is special. It is the one that best appreciates the architecture of its time. A time in which the temples were not conceived as a meeting place, but as the abode of the gods, hence their particular structure.
Also, in Angkor Wat and you can see a fabulous set of bas-reliefs. Many of them represent scenes related to the life of gods like Vishnu or Krishna.
4. It has one of the most beautiful sunrises in the world
Watching the sunrise from this splendid temple will be one of the greatest spectacles you will ever see. Of course, keep in mind that despite what it costs to get up early, you will not be the only one willing to do it. However, even if there are many more people, the moment will be worth it.
5. It is a World Heritage Site
As part of the Angkor temples, Wangkor Wat has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1992. And not only that, but there is a whole project aimed at protecting and safeguarding this beautiful and symbolic place.
6. You can see it in a balloon
Few ways are more spectacular to admire all the grandeur and beauty of Angkor Wat in Cambodia than from the air. Contemplating the temple on a balloon is one of those experiences that are never forgotten. And also, the price is very affordable, around $20. A unique opportunity!
Not many details are known about the construction of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, but when you visit it, you are sure to be completely amazed by its beauty.
Cover photo: Nick Molds / Flickr.com
