Angkor Wat: The lost Hindu Temple in Cambodia

Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia is one of the largest religious monuments in the world. 'Angkor Wat' means 'City of Temples' in Khmer, Cambodia's national language. But when it was built in the 12th century, it had a different name. It is well known that the construction of the Angkor Wat was the largest religious structure in Southeast Asia and that Emperor Suryavarman II was responsible for it, yet this temple was not mentioned in the pages of history. Mysteriously its name remains unknown.

This masterpiece of Khmer architecture is mainly divided into two parts. One part is like a mountain and another part is like a gallery. By part of the mountain Meru Mountain is basically meant. A 3.6 km wall surrounds the temple and the entire temple is enclosed within a moat. At the center of the temple is the Quinsanx Tower. Angkor Wat is designed to resemble Mount Meru, the mythical abode of Hindu gods. Mount Meru is believed by Hindus to be the 'Center of the Universe'.

In 1116, when King Suryavarman ascended the throne, its construction began. The work was completed in 1150, long after the death of King Suryavarman. The Khmer emperors built a number of temple buildings to assert their political influence and to convey the blessings of the gods upon them.

Hindu temples are defined not only as religious shrines but also as abodes of deities. The kings of Cambodia want to instill another faith in everyone. All kings have tried to build more magnificent temple buildings than the previous emperors to show that the gods are more pleased with him, not with his predecessors or his enemies.

This temple is so revered in Cambodia that the Angkor Wat is depicted on the country's national flag. This temple is one of the major tourist attractions of the country. It was even recognized as a 'World Heritage Site' in 1992. According to the world's largest tourism website 'Trip Advisor', it is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the world and the best place to visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

* Photos collected from Internet