Angkor Wat Temple

Angkor Wat is a spectacular temple in central Cambodia, built by the vanished Khmer empire. It was constructed during the reign of King Suryavarman II, who ruled from 1113 to at least 1145. In those days, it was customary for the Khmer Empire to maintain a state temple at the heart of the city. However, when Suryavarman assumed power, the existing Baphuon state temple was dedicated to Shiva. Suryavarman worshiped Vishnu, and wished to honor him with a new temple south of the existing capital. This new state temple came to be called Angkor Wat, meaning “The city that is a temple.” Angkor Wat es un espectacular templo en el centro de Camboya, construido en época del desaparecido imperio jemer. Fue construido durante el reinado del rey Suryavarman II, que gobernó desde 1113 hasta al menos 1145. En ese tiempo era costumbre que el Imperio Khmer mantuviera un templo estatal en el corazón de la ciudad. Sin embargo, cuando Suryavarman asumió el poder, el templo estatal Baphuon existente estaba dedicado a Shiva. Suryavarman adoraba a Vishnu y deseaba honrarlo con un nuevo templo al sur de la capital existente. Este nuevo templo estatal se denominó Angkor Wat, que significa “La ciudad que es un templo”. The land occupied by the temple measures 1300 meters north-south, and 1500 meters east-west. Unlike other Khmer temples, the entrance faces west in the direction associated with Vishnu. A person entering the temple first approaches an entrance causeway that takes him across the 200 meter wide moat. On the opposite shore is an entrance pavilion measuring 230 meters north-south. Its central bays include three passages that elephants could fit through for royal processions. Past the entrance gate is a long causeway that runs for over 300 meters, decorated with mythical snake-like animals called naga. On either side are isolated buildings called “libraries” though their true function is unknown.