Angkor Wat - the symbol of CambodiaAngkor Wat - the symbol of Cambodia

Angkor Wat - the symbol of Cambodia

Proud of this precious inheritance, Khmer places Angkor Wat in a pedestal. As we may noticed a white Angkor Wat is in the center of Cambodian flag making it one of the symbols of the country.

Angkor Wat can definitely amazed you in different ways - from its vastness, on how it was constructed, the carvings on the pillars and walls with all its symbolism, the architecture, and how it tells stories of the past. This was constructed for 39 long years (this was according to the tour guide, he called himself Mr Handsome) but the king died leaving it unfinished.

Try to notice the carvings on the walls and the pillars, you can't help but admire the skillful hands of the artists. These make the temple alive. Angkor Wat is like a huge book with narratives recounting the events and beliefs of the past. There are in fact many headless Buddha statue inside, these are very old ones. According to the tour guide, the heads were stolen and sold outside of the temple.

Angkor Wat is said to be the largest religious monument in the whole world and was dedicated to God Vishnu, one of the major god in Hinduism, believed to be the preserver of the universe and maintain cosmic order. I was wondering why there were many Buddha inside the temple if the religion during that time was Hinduism, apologies here, this traveler has a limited knowledge about Hinduism and Buddhism, however now, I think I have connected the puzzle. It could be because, the 9th incarnation of Vishnu was Buddha?

Meanwhile, the carvings on the pillars and the walls have been adapted from the Indian mythology like the Apsaras and Devata. They are the recurring motif of Angkor and are everywhere!

As an integral part of Khmer culture, modern Apsara dancers are performing in restaurants in Cambodia showing the elegant and grace of the art. Hotels and restaurants around Siem Reap offer this treat to their valued costumers. I have watched once and actually enjoyed the performance. Short excerpts is available to watch at the bottom of this page

Aside from Angkor Wat itself, the outside of the temple is impressively scenic as well. The area is mostly covered by forest which added to the beauty of the site. I imagined how beautiful the lotus pool when lotus flowers bloom. This flower is sacred to the Buddhist religion anyway.

Here are images I took, but patience please as I am not very good in taking pictures.

The magnificient Angkor Wat in different angles.
The magnificient Angkor Wat in different angles.
The magnificient Angkor Wat in different angles.
The magnificient Angkor Wat in different angles.
The magnificient Angkor Wat in different angles.
The magnificient Angkor Wat in different angles.
The magnificient Angkor Wat in different angles.
The magnificient Angkor Wat in different angles.
The magnificient Angkor Wat in different angles.

The magnificient Angkor Wat in different angles.

Carvings on the pillars and walls in Angkor Wat.
Carvings on the pillars and walls in Angkor Wat.
Carvings on the pillars and walls in Angkor Wat.
Carvings on the pillars and walls in Angkor Wat.
Carvings on the pillars and walls in Angkor Wat.
Carvings on the pillars and walls in Angkor Wat.
Carvings on the pillars and walls in Angkor Wat.
Carvings on the pillars and walls in Angkor Wat.
Carvings on the pillars and walls in Angkor Wat.
Carvings on the pillars and walls in Angkor Wat.

Carvings on the pillars and walls in Angkor Wat.

People praying to Buddha and an image of headless Buddha (center).
People praying to Buddha and an image of headless Buddha (center).
People praying to Buddha and an image of headless Buddha (center).

People praying to Buddha and an image of headless Buddha (center).

Apsaras and Devata - the dancing girls curved and decorated on the walls of the temple.
Apsaras and Devata - the dancing girls curved and decorated on the walls of the temple.

Apsaras and Devata - the dancing girls curved and decorated on the walls of the temple.

CAMBODIA Traditional dance and music: Blessing Dance (excerpts)

CAMBODIA Traditional dance and music: Blessing Dance (excerpts)

This is an excerpts from the presentation made in one of the restaurants in Siem Reap.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAz0Dm5gTk8

Excerpts from the presentation made in one of the restaurants in Siem Reap.

The scenes through the window of Angkor Wat.
The scenes through the window of Angkor Wat.
The scenes through the window of Angkor Wat.
The scenes through the window of Angkor Wat.

The scenes through the window of Angkor Wat.

Scenes outside of Angkor Wat. The sun was beaming but tourists were enjoying Angkor at the same time.
Scenes outside of Angkor Wat. The sun was beaming but tourists were enjoying Angkor at the same time.
Scenes outside of Angkor Wat. The sun was beaming but tourists were enjoying Angkor at the same time.
Scenes outside of Angkor Wat. The sun was beaming but tourists were enjoying Angkor at the same time.
Scenes outside of Angkor Wat. The sun was beaming but tourists were enjoying Angkor at the same time.
Scenes outside of Angkor Wat. The sun was beaming but tourists were enjoying Angkor at the same time.
Scenes outside of Angkor Wat. The sun was beaming but tourists were enjoying Angkor at the same time.
Scenes outside of Angkor Wat. The sun was beaming but tourists were enjoying Angkor at the same time.
Scenes outside of Angkor Wat. The sun was beaming but tourists were enjoying Angkor at the same time.
Scenes outside of Angkor Wat. The sun was beaming but tourists were enjoying Angkor at the same time.

Scenes outside of Angkor Wat. The sun was beaming but tourists were enjoying Angkor at the same time.

Angkor Wat tells so much stories. It was like being transported back into the past.

By getting out of my comfort zone, I have gained a life changing experience. Until next travel memories :)

Categories: Cambodia
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