Amanda PhillipsIf you’re stopping by Cambodia on your next Far East Asia adventure, a day trip to Angkor Wat deserves to be at the top of your itinerary wish-list. One of the world’s biggest ancient religious monuments, it was built somewhere in the early 12th Century and still maintains its original divine charm to this day. Its fascinating walls are steeped in history and decorated with beautiful carvings – but how much do you know about this historic temple that is important enough to Cambodia that it has taken centre stage on its flag? Here are 10 facts to get you started.
1. It was originally a Hindu place of worship
While Buddhists still visit Angkor Wat to worship even now, the complex was originally a Hindu structure and wasn’t transferred to the Cambodian Buddhist community until the late 12th Century.
2. It is believed that its original purpose was to hold funeral services
Most Hindu buildings built at the time faced east, however Angkor Wat faces west. This has led many scholars to believe that Angor Wat was originally constructed as a funeral temple. The bas-reliefs are also designed in a counter-clockwork direction, which is considered more evidence of this line of thought.however Angkor Wat faces west. This has led many scholars to believe that Angor Wat was originally constructed as a funeral temple. The bas-reliefs are also designed in a counter-clockwork direction, which is considered more evidence of this line of thought.
3. It was dedicated to Lord Vishnu
Facing west wasn’t the only Hindu tradition that Angkor Wat went against the grain on. When it was built it was dedicated to Lord Vishnu – the second god in the Hindu triumvirate – while most other Hindu sites were dedicated to the current king.
4. It was once an enclosed city
While nothing remains of the wall today, when it was first built a wall enclosed the religious complex into a 820,000 square meters area. In fact, Angkor Wat roughly translates as “City of Temples”.
5. There’s a dinosaur carving
The jury is a little out on it though. Within the temple, there is a carving that some believe to be a stegosaurus dinosaur. While science generally advises that dinosaurs and humans did not co-inhabit the earth at the same time, there are some groups who believe this is proof that the timeline might be out. Others believe it is just an over-enthusiastic carving of a rhino (or a modern day hoax).
6. The three-tiered gallery has spiritual meaning
The three-tiers of the inside gallery represent Brahma, the moon, and Vishnu. Plus the overall design of the temple is meant to represent the spiritual home of the Hindu deities, Mount Meru.
7. More sandstone was used to build Angor Wat than the Egyptian pyramids combined
The sandstone was believed to be quarried from 25km away in Mount Kulen. Plus, the binding agent has never been identified (though natural resins or slaked lime have been suggested).
8. Tomb Raider was filmed here
If you’re a fan of the Tomb Raider films you probably already knew this. But if you’re wanting to walk in Angelina’s exact footsteps, head to the Ta Prohm temple where most of the filming took place.
9. It wasn’t known by its present name until the 16th Century
Prior to this it has been known as Pisnulok, after the Khmer king Suryavarman II who built it (Pisnulok was his official royal title).
10. It attracts 2 million visitors annually
Will you be one of the next million?
