November 26/ 11:32 AM IST: Angkor Wat, the “City of Temples” known for its incredible architectural marvel, recently became the eighth wonder of the world by replacing Pompeii in Italy. This place might be unknown to many people. But it holds a majestic background in the history.
About the Angkor Wat:
The Angkor Wat is the largest ancient monument in the world and lakhs of tourists visit to explore its beauty. It was originally built as a Hindu temple but as time passed, it was converted into a Buddhist temple. The temple is famous for the eight-armed statue of Lord Vishnu located inside the temple, which is also considered as the protecting deity of the temple. Additionally, it becomes a UNESCO World Heritage site in the year 1992.
History:
The temple was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman-2. It was dedicated to Hindu deities, Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva, but later converted to a Buddhist temple. This transformation is evidenced by the incredible carvings adorned on the temple’s wall, depicting Hindu-Buddhist mythology.
Wonderful Architecture:
Angkor is also known for its magnificent and brilliant architecture. Also, it spans an area of 500 acres, surrounded by massive outer walls. Also, the five-lotus-shaped tower in the temple represents Mount Meru.
Beyond the iconic experiences, Angkor is a cultural and spiritual hub for both Hindus and Buddhists. Moreover, it is no longer considered a temple. Rather it’s more of a tourist attraction place of Cambodia.
Since the French rule and the brutal civil war in the 1970s, the Cambodian government has been undergoing transition and restoration work in Angkor.
However, the site remains an important source of national pride.
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