Angkor Wat Temple: A Timeless Masterpiece of Khmer Civilization

According to historical and archaeological research, the ancient civilization of Cambodia profoundly influenced the entire region. At that time, Cambodians practiced two major religions that originated in India: Hinduism and Buddhism. Their beliefs gave rise to many majestic architectural and sculptural works, including beautifully decorated temples, often regarded as divine creations. Although some structures have been destroyed by time and human activity, their beauty endures, offering visitors moving testimonies of this lost civilization, particularly Angkor Wat temple, an architectural masterpiece that has withstood the centuries, preserving millennia of stories.

Written by Huong NGUYENUpdated on 05-09-2024

Comments

Table of contents

1. First glimpse of the temple of Angkor Wat
2. Angkor Wat: a temple or a mausoleum? Debate among scholars
3. The imposing structure of Angkor Wat
4. Angkor Wat: A Masterpiece of Architectural and Spiritual Art
5. FAQs about Angkor Wat

1. First glimpse of the temple of Angkor Wat

Location of the Temple

Angkor Wat temple is a religious monument in Cambodia, situated within a complex of over a hundred temples in Siem Reap province. It is the largest structure in the Angkor complex and one of the most remarkable architectural achievements in the world.

Construction under Surayavarman II

In the twelfth century, during the first half of Surayavarman II's reign, who ruled from 1113 to 1150, this temple was built. On the reliefs of the temple appears his name and it is widely believed that its construction was finished in after his death. This temple was built when Khmer empire art reached its height in development. This project is thought to have taken about three decades to finish.

This is considered one of the most stunning ancient temples in the world due to its perfect arrangement, balance, proportions and carvings.

>>> Good to know:

The flag of Cambodia is unique in the world because it is the only one to present a specific architectural image. It features three horizontal stripes of blue, red, and blue, with a white illustration of Angkor Wat in the center.

2. Angkor Wat: a temple or a mausoleum? Debate among scholars

The true character of Angkor Wat has been a subject of contention among academics: is it a shrine for divinities or a tomb for monarchs? Many historians agree that it functions as both a religious haven and a royal grave site, based on its design and ornamentation. This duality is evident in both the architecture and symbolism found at the site.

One key aspect supporting this conclusion is the temple’s unusual orientation. Unlike most other temples within the Angkor complex, which face east, the main entrance to Angkor Wat faces west. In Hinduism, this orientation is often associated with death, as the evening sun is thought to symbolize the end of life.

Additionally, the sculpted images in Angkor Wat are arranged from left to right, similar to the rituals used in Hindu burial practices, where the left side is reserved for honoring ancestors who remain on earth. Particularly on its western wall, an image of the sunset evokes strong feelings of death and the crossing into eternity.

3. The imposing structure of Angkor Wat

The Angkor Wat, measuring 65 meters from the ground to the top of the central tower, looks taller than it actually is thanks to a clever design that sits on three basic levels. Each level is designed to be smaller and higher than the one that precedes it.

The architecture of Angkor Wat temple features vaulted corridors with columns marking the boundaries on both first and second levels, while the third level holds five characteristic towers – four located at corners and one at the center; these represent distinct architectonic elements found in this temple complex. The overall shape of these towers can be compared to a stylized image of lotus bud.

*These five characteristic towers appearing on Cambodia's riel banknotes*

The first level: gallery and sculptures

As you enter the temple, you'll notice that the ground floor features a large entrance door flanked by two side passages, used by elephants, horses, and wagons. The temple boasts a decorative gallery adorned with incredibly beautiful dancing apsaras who will undoubtedly catch your attention. Surrounding the devatas are stunning female sculptures, some of which are among the most exquisite in all of Angkor Wat. These sculptures encircle deities riding legendary beasts amidst exquisitely carved flowers.

The second level: art and echoes

Angkor Wat’s second level is even more impressive, as it houses the temple’s most captivating galleries. Spanning over 215 meters, the bas-reliefs depict some of the greatest Hindu epics, such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, along with scenes like the battle between gods and demons and the exploits of Vishnu.

These works are among the artistic high points of the entire Angkor complex, vast and delicate, evoking fervent feelings in those who come to see them. Furthermore, to your right, you will find the Gallery of 1,000 Buddhas, while on your left is the Hall of Echo, which creates strange echoes when people stand against its walls and slap their chests.

The third level: reserved for the elite

Leaving the second level, you enter the third level, which was once reserved exclusively for kings and high-ranking priests. Although this level does not contain bas-reliefs, it supports the five main towers, which form the temple's dominant architectural element.

4. Angkor Wat: A Masterpiece of Architectural and Spiritual Art

The cosmic symbolism of Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat temple is a stone representation of the ancient cosmological perspective. The primary tower in the center of the temple represents Mount Meru, the sacred mountain situated at the center of the universe according to Hindu beliefs. The five main towers represent the peaks of Mount Meru, while the outer wall symbolizes the boundary of the world, and the surrounding moat can be regarded as the seas.

Research has shown that the sizes of various architectural components within this temple were derived from numbers found in myths and cosmologies of Hinduism. For example, one way to arrange the bas-reliefs is to synchronize them with the movement of the sun.

The art and beauty of Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat, the immense temple complex, spans 210 hectares and is encircled by a moat 200 meters wide, making it a marvel of architecture. The primary causeway is 250 meters long and 12 meters wide, crossing the moat and reinforcing the local belief that this monument was built by a deity.

Sculptural artistry at Angkor Wat reaches its pinnacle in terms of architectural achievement. The structures are not merely decorated; instead, each element is harmonized to create an aesthetic unity that is unparalleled elsewhere. Nearly two thousand distinct dancer designs are featured along the carved borders, extending around the moat for ten kilometers.

Designed to be viewed from left to right at an angle from the west wall, the bas-relief subjects narrate epic tales, including the Battle of Kurukshetra, scenes from the Ramayana, the army of King Suryavarman II, and major legends of Hinduism such as the Churning of the Sea of Milk and the victories of Vishnu. This systematic arrangement allows viewers to follow the entire story easily, offering an unmatched scope of narrative art.

>>>> Discover Cambodia with Our 7-Day Itinerary 🌅

5. FAQs about Angkor Wat

1. Where to buy tickets for Angkor Wat?

Tickets are available at Angkor Enterprise, 60 Street, Siem Reap. Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

2. What is the largest religious monument in the world?

Angkor Wat, Cambodia, is the largest religious monument in the world, spanning more than 400 acres (1.6 km²). It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

3. What does "Angkor Wat" mean in Khmer?

In Khmer, "Angkor" means "city" or "capital" and "Wat" means "temple". Angkor Wat therefore translates to "City of the Temple". Initially, it was called Vrah Vishnuloka, meaning "sacred abode of the god Vishnu".

4. How long did the construction of Angkor Wat take?

Construction took about 30 years, involving 300,000 workers and 6,000 elephants, without machinery.

5. What is the cosmic significance of Angkor Wat?

Angkor Wat is designed to represent Mount Meru, the sacred mountain of Hindu mythology, with its five towers symbolizing the peaks of Mount Meru.

6. Why is Angkor Wat facing west?

Unlike most east-facing Hindu temples, Angkor Wat is west-facing, which symbolizes death in Hindu culture and suggests a burial role for the temple.

7. How much sandstone was used to build Angkor Wat?

The construction of Angkor Wat required about five million tons of sandstone, extracted from the Phnom Kulen mountain, 50 kilometers from the site.

8. How to get around Angkor Wat?

You can explore the Angkor complex by tuk-tuk, bike,... Tuk-tuks are especially popular for their comfort and affordability.

Conclusion

Angkor Wat, although partially unfinished and having undergone less careful repairs over the centuries, remains the best-preserved temple in Angkor. Bullet marks can still be seen in the bas-reliefs on the first level, but despite these scars, the temple continues to captivate and inspire with its timeless grandeur and intricate design, reflecting a symbiosis between spirituality and architecture.

Note: This article is based on the piece titled 'Angkor – World Cultural Heritage,' published in the Scientific Magazine of Van Lang University and written by MSc. Architect Ly Le Dan. It also includes contributions from Dr. S. S. Simpson.