Although Angkor Wat is much smaller than Angkor Thom, it is in the best shape and has survived over the past 800 years without too much destruction or wear. Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century as mausoleum and temple for King J7 and represents the height of Khmer Art. It is surrounded by a 200 metre (in width) moat that spans about 8 km around the perimeter. The first set of walls around the temple once you are through the royal gates is adorned with bas relief art – the largest and longest in the world – telling Hindu stories of Gods, wars and the creation of heaven and earth. Supai loved telling us these stories and he has learned much of what he knows directly from Hindu tourists who have told him some of the meanings beyond the stories depicted on the walls. We learned about Vishnu, Garuda, the Sea of Churning Milk, the God of Death…many stories of love, marriage, war and death…all told very well.
Inside these walls lie the towers of Angkor. The top floors were under reconstruction by a German team so we could not climb beyond the second level but we were still able to marvel at the stone architecture, carvings, art and statues that surrounded us.
After a quick lunch at one of the Khmer food stalls outside of Angkor Wat we visited Neak Pean (built for the memory of the King’s father), Ta Som (the King’s sister’s residence) – all a little different but each filled with Buddhist and Hindu artifacts.
Today, I will share more pictures which illustrate the beauty much more than I can describe in words…
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