Ancient Architecture has a certain charisma, that attracts us all despite the existence of numerous awesome modern architecture. To pen down, we have the innumerable fondness for Egypt and Taj Mahal. One such ancient architecture that stays in the good books of Architecture and casts a spell on the visitors is the Ancient Angor Wat Temple.Angor Wat allures people and researchers, who come in flocks to get a glimpse of this awe-inspiring monument, which has a unique charm without any bells and whistles.
Angkor Wat, is a temple complex at Angkor, Cambodia, built for the king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation—first Hindu, dedicated to Vishnu, then Buddhist. The temple is the epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.
The huge sculptures and artistic carvings at the Angor Wat temple holds one spellbound. Archaeologists and Researchers have have blown the historic gaff and come out with the fact that the sculptures and carvings at the Angorvat Temple consist of Indian gods too. One such sculpture is the same as the one found at a temple in India's Temple town, Kanchipuram. So, its clear that there is more than what meets the eyes. There must have been some sort of connection between India and Cambodia in the past, that has made Indian sculptures appear on Cambodain Temples.This stays an enigma and pops up a million question in our head! Was there any Monarchical deal between the two KIngdoms? Was it an Indian Architect who designed this marvelous monument and ended up adding an Indian touch? or was it that Indian labor was utilized in the construction of the Angorvat Temple?....There are a Million questions, but all go unanswered, leaving the mystery unresolved.
Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple mountain and the later galleried temple, based on early South Indian architecture, with key features such as the Jagati. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 kilometers (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the center of the temple stands a quincunx of towers. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west; scholars are divided as to the significance of this. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs and for the numerous devatas (guardian spirits) adorning its walls.
Despite all the charm, Angor Vat misses the quintessential part of a temple, prayers and chanting. Its all because, in the late 13th century, King Jayavarman VIII, who was Hindu, was deposed by his son in law, Srindravarman. Srindravarman had spent the previous 10 years in Sri Lanka becoming ordained as a Buddhist monk. The new King decided to convert the Khmer Empire's state religion from Hindu to Buddhist. The conversion was relatively easy since civilians were tired of the constant political corruption and failing empire of the time and were eager to follow a faith that offered tranquility without a need for material gain and power. Hence, Angkor Wat was converted from Hindu to Theravada Buddhist use, which continues to the present day. Angkor Wat is unusual among the Angkor temples in that although it was somewhat neglected after the 16th century it was never completely abandoned, its preservation being due in part to the fact that its moat also provided some protection from encroachment by the jungle.So, till date Angor Vat has never seen a prayer or a chant. It stands up as a mystic marvelous temple.Learn more about Angor Wat here. In a nutshell Angor Wat is one of the most outstanding Architectures of Man kind that reflects the creativity and magic of ancient architecture techniques.
