In the south-eastern part of Asia is located unusually beautiful country With great history– Cambodia. For a long time this kingdom was closed to tourists, but today it has become very popular tourist destination. This exotic country attracts travelers with its mild climate, warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, snow-white beaches, and, of course, majestic temple buildings.
People come from all over the world to see the mysterious shrines with their own eyes - ancient temples of Cambodia , built more than a thousand years ago.
How and when were temples built?
The construction of sanctuaries was carried out by the ancestors of today's Cambodians - the Khmers, who have inhabited the territory of the kingdom since time immemorial. This people, according to legend, originated from the relationship of the daughter of the king of snake-like creatures - nagas, and an Indian hermit.
Grandiose construction began in the 9th century, when numerous Khmer principalities under the leadership of Emperor Jayavarman II united into a great state - the Khmer Empire with its capital in the city of Angkor. In it, the founder of the dynasty erected the first temple complex, and his successors subsequently continued this work. Today all surviving temples ancient capital form the main attraction of the country - the Angkor temple complex. Its size is amazing - Angkor temples in Cambodia located on an area of more than 200 thousand square meters. km.
The construction of religious buildings in the capital continued until the 12th century - it was during this period that the most famous temples in Cambodia were built. By that time, a huge city had already been built around them, which was inhabited by more than a million inhabitants. In the X-XIII centuries. the great Khmer Empire became the most developed state in all of Southeast Asia militarily and economically.
However, already in the second half of the 15th century, after a long siege of the Siamese, its capital fell and was destroyed.
Residents were forced to flee and abandon the city. Over the years, Angkor was swallowed up by the jungle, the humid climate did not spare many living quarters and soon nothing remained of them, but the temple buildings managed to survive. For 400 years, people forgot about ancient Angkor, until in 1860 the French traveler and naturalist Henri Muot came across it in impenetrable thickets.
Angkor Wat
The Cambodian Angkor Wat, rising a few kilometers from the city of Siem Real, is considered the largest temple on the entire globe. This shrine was erected in the first half of the 12th century in honor of the supreme god in Hinduism - Vishnu. The empire was ruled by King Suryavarman II at that time.
According to scientists, the construction of this structure required 5 million tons of stones - the same amount as was spent on the construction of the second largest Egyptian pyramid Khafre (Khephren).
The ancient builders put a lot of effort into creating a stunning architectural creation - all the stone blocks from which this sacred structure was built were artistically processed - scenes from the history of the Khmers, Hindu mythology and ancient Indian epics were carved on all surfaces.
But the most amazing thing is that the Khmers did not use any mortar to secure the blocks together - the stones were hewn and fitted to each other in such a way that sometimes it was simply impossible to find the joints between them.
Main religious complex Cambodia temple Angkor Wat consists of 3 buildings, inside there are 5 lotus-shaped towers, the height of the central one reaches 65 meters. The complex is surrounded by a ditch 190 meters wide, which is always filled with water due to heavy rains. According to the builders, this grandiose project symbolizes the abode of Brahma - sacred mountain Meru: the central tower is the peak, the walls are rocks, and the huge moat is the world ocean, washing the Universe on all sides.
Undoubtedly this temple in Cambodia - 8th wonder of the world , after all This is what historians all over the world call it.
Bayonne
Not far from Angkor Wat is the second largest ancient religious building. This is the Bayon Temple, built in the 12th century under ruler Jayavarman VII.
Bayon Temple in Cambodia has 54 towers, and it is no coincidence - each of them was a symbol of the province that was under the authority of the ruler. There are 4 faces carved on each tower - one on each side of the world.
The ancient builders managed to do the impossible - the expressions of all these faces change depending on the lighting and time of day.
They can be kind, smile, be sad, and sometimes with their gaze they even inspire chilling horror. It is noteworthy that no matter what part of the temple a person is, he will always be under the gaze of stone eyes. It is believed that the carved faces are the face of the deity of compassion Avalokiteshvara. The prototype of his appearance was King Jayavarman VII.
Initially, the central tower of the temple had a gold coating, but it was torn off by the Siamese who captured the city. There was a four-meter figure of Buddha on it, but it was also destroyed. The walls of the temple are covered with beautiful bas-reliefs, which depict scenes from the life of Cambodians - military campaigns, bloody battles, worship of gods, circus performances, feasts and much more.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm Temple (Ta Prokhm, Ta Prum) is another Buddhist religious building that is part of the structure of the city of Angkor. This temple-monastery was built at the end of the 12th century in honor of the mother of King Jayavarman VII. That is why, scientists believe, its design in bas-reliefs and sculptures is dominated by apsaras - demigoddesses of Hindu mythology, spirits of water and clouds.
Greater popularity Ta Prohm Temple in Cambodia acquired in 2001 after the release of the film “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” - it was this abandoned building that Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie wandered through.
Currently, the complex is an amazing spectacle in the best traditions of surrealism - all the structures from the base to the roof are entangled in bizarre dense vegetation. Here, for centuries, roots and tree trunks climbed the walls, framed doors and windows, broke stone roofs, making their way to freedom.
It seems that in this territory there was once a merciless battle between the gods and nature, and the latter won, making a unique structure part of the earth. Now Ta Prohm and the jungle are an indivisible whole.
Bapuon
In the very center of the sacred city of Angkor Thom there is another amazing temple 49 meters high - Baphuon. It appeared in the 11th century during the reign of Udayadityavarman II. This structure is shaped like a five-stage pyramid, consisting of three tiers.
What distinguishes Baphuon from other sanctuaries are its special bas-reliefs - they are made in the form of small squares in which scenes from Everyday life Khmers. In its early years, the temple amazed with its splendor.
Back in the 13th century, the Chinese diplomat Zhou Daguan admired it, calling it “a truly amazing sight.” Bapuon has reached this day in very poor condition, and the sandy foundation on which it was built is to blame. It turned out to be unstable, and the grandiose building began to rapidly collapse.
Less Famous Temples of Cambodia
In Cambodia, there are several hundred ancient religious buildings that fascinate with their beauty and original architecture. The Koh Ker temple complex, located 90 km from Angkor, is considered very interesting. Tourists rarely visit this place because it is not easy to get there. What attracts the most attention in this complex is the temple-mountain Prasat Prang, 32 meters high.
This temple is in Cambodia It is also called the “Pyramid of Death” due to the fact that there is a deep well at its top. According to legend, after sacrifices to demons, lifeless bodies were thrown into it. It was believed that this well led to the underworld.
Another amazingly beautiful temple is Preah Vihear, or, as it is also called, “Temple in Heaven.” It was erected on a mountain, at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level. It is considered a very significant building for the ancient Khmers, since it took a very long time to build - construction lasted during the reign of seven kings.
The Neakpean Buddhist temple, created in the 12th century, is distinguished by its originality. It is located in Angkor, near the city of Danang, on a small artificially created island in the middle of a pond. According to the ancient legend, the water in these places is endowed with healing properties. Actually, this prompted King Javaiyarman VII to build a temple here.
Another miracle of Khmer architecture is the Banteay Srei Temple, located in the province of Siem Real. It was built in honor of the god Shiva in the 10th century. The temple became famous for its decoration - all its walls are covered with jewelry carvings, which are practically untouched by time. Another feature of this structure is that it contains ancient pink statues of guardian monkeys.
- English researchers G. Hancock and D. Grisby conducted large-scale computer studies and came to a very interesting conclusion: the main religious buildings of Cambodia are associated with a map of the starry sky of 10500 BC. e. In their opinion, the Angkorian temples of Cambodia on the map, if connected by one line, recreate the outlines of the Draco constellation.
- The temples of Cambodia were not intended to be visited by religious people. These religious buildings were considered the abode of the gods; only priests and monks could enter them. In some temples, tombs were erected for rulers, whom they considered the incarnation of God on earth.
- Each Khmer king followed the tradition - upon ascending the throne, he began the construction of two temples - for himself and his ancestors. If he died and the buildings were not yet completed, they were left unfinished and new construction began immediately.
- There is an image carved on the wall of the Ta Prohm temple, which to this day haunts scientists around the world. And there is depicted a herbivorous dinosaur, or more precisely, a stegosaurus, who lived on the planet more than 150 million years ago. How the ancient Khmers learned about this animal still remains a mystery.
- There are several pyramid-shaped temples throughout Cambodia. As is known, such grandiose structures were found only in Peru, Egypt and Cambodia. An ancient legend explains this fact - they were all built by the same people who roamed these countries.
- Many Cambodian temples are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Angkor is a temple city of the Khmer Empire, located on the shores of Lake Tonle Sap. Although Angkor was never included in the list of the New Seven Wonders, visiting the ancient capital of the Khmers is the cherished dream of many travelers. But what do we know about Angkor? Our review contains the past and present of the holy city of the Khmers, as well as a story about the main temples of Cambodia.
HOW DID ANGKOR COME TOGETHER?
Some things in this world are constant. As you know, the ruins ancient city Angkor is located in the center of modern Cambodia. An interesting fact here is that in ancient times Angkor was not only the political and religious, but also the geographical center of the Khmer empire, so it turns out, whatever one may say, the sacred city, regardless of historical upheavals, was and remains the center of the country.
The name Angkor translates as “city”, and the Khmers built their sacred city in a special place. It is located between Phnom Kulen Mountain and the Great Lake, and the Siem Reap River flows through it. The Khmers saw magical symbolism in the arrangement of rivers, lakes and mountains. Phnom Kulen was considered a kind of personification of Mount Mahendrapura, where, according to legend, Shiva lived, and the Siem Reap River was associated with the sacred Ganges River, and, by the way, according to legend, it was to this region of Cambodia that the goddess Ganga descended from heaven, entangled in Shiva’s hair.
Angkor was built from the seventh century AD to the twelfth century approximately according to the following scheme. The first temple complex was built here by Emperor Indravarman the First in 881 AD. The example turned out to be contagious; after Inravarman, each subsequent Khmer ruler decided to build a temple in Angkor.
Ashrams, swimming pools, hospitals and houses of ordinary residents always appeared near the temples. By the way, the size of Khmer houses strictly obeyed the hierarchy that existed in society - the lower the social status, the smaller the home should be.
Most of the houses of ordinary townspeople were wooden with a thatched roof, which is why none of these structures have survived to this day.
Due to the fact that each new emperor built another temple complex in Angkor, the center of the city constantly shifted depending on which temple was considered the main one here at a given time. In the end, the territory of Angkor expanded to 200 kilometers.
Thus, from approximately the tenth century AD to the end of the fifteenth century, Ankor was a city of over a million people, while it was not only the religious, but also the political capital of the Khmer Empire, which dominated Southeast Asia at that time.
Unfortunately, in the fifteenth century the city was captured by the Siamese. After the plunder and the epidemic that happened here a little later, Angkor was deserted. Soon the city was completely swallowed up by the jungle, and many Khmer temples were rediscovered by archaeologists only in the nineteenth century.
THE FLOWING OF HINDU ANGKOR
Angkor flourished in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Of course, many of the local temples are much older, but the most beautiful surviving ones (including the legendary Angkor Wat) were built during this period.
In the photo: the pool at the entrance to Angkor Wat
Travelers who visited Angkor at that time called the capital of the Khmers a city-kingdom, because on its territory, in addition to famous temples there were hospitals, swimming pools, inns and many ashrams.
Foreigners were also amazed by the water supply system that existed in Angkor: canals, dams and pools called barays. Well, of course, the Royal Palace, built in Angkor, was a real embodiment of luxury and a symbol of the power of the empire.
ANGKOR WAT
Famous Angkor Wat- a temple complex dedicated to the god Vishnu, the largest religious building in the world - was built by Emperor Suryavarman in the second quarter of the 12th century.
It must be said that all the temples of Angkor have common features, and this is not only about the bas-reliefs, which traditionally depict iconic scenes from Hindu mythology, for example, the great churning - the process as a result of which the gods and demons received amrita - a drink that gives immortality.
In the photo: the courtyard of Angkor Wat
In their structure, Khmer temples most closely resemble pyramids made of large stones (Angkor Wat, for example, consists of three pyramids). Such structures were called a temple-mountain.
Another interesting point. In the Khmer tradition, the temple is not a place for prayer, but a place of residence of the gods, so mere mortals were prohibited from entering the temple; only clergy and representatives of the aristocracy could freely enter the temple.
In the photo: the courtyard and baray of Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat- the personification of classical Khmer architecture. Rectangular structure surrounded by a moat; temple-mountain, which is crowned by three pyramids.
However, two important points distinguish Angkor Wat from all other temples in the city. Firstly, this is the first temple dedicated to Vishnu; all previous temples in the city were dedicated only to Shiva. Secondly, Angkor Wat “looks west”, although all other temples of Angkor are oriented to the east, that is, towards the rising sun. Although today the temple is open to everyone, visitors to Angkor Wat must adhere to a dress code; you will not be allowed inside in shorts.
However, it is much more interesting to look not at the interior decoration of the temple, but at the bas-reliefs decorating its walls; they are excellent illustrations of scenes from Indian mythology.
In the photo: bas-relief “great churning” at Angkor Wat
Although Angkor Wat was founded as a Hindu temple, it “converted to Buddhism” in the sixteenth century and continues to be a Buddhist sanctuary to this day.
In the photo: Buddha statue at Angkor Wat
Another interesting nuance: Angkor Wat was never completely abandoned. Despite everything, services were always held here, which is why the temple complex has survived to this day in much better condition than even later Khmer buildings.
BUDDHIST ANGKOR
During its history, Angkor managed to be both a Hindu and a Buddhist temple city.
The fact is that the Khmers originally professed Judaism, but by the end of the twelfth century it was replaced by Buddhism. The largest number of Buddhist temples in Angkor were built by Jayavarman VII, who ruled the Khmer country at the end of the twelfth century. By the way, according to some historians, the emperor not only built temples, but also served as a model for the sculptors who sculpted the faces of Buddha in these temples.
ANGKOR THOM
The main masterpiece of Jayavarman VII - Angkor Thom temple complex. According to the emperor's plan, Angkor Thom (translated as “Big City”) was to become a separate city within Angkor, the capital within the capital of the Khmer Empire.
No sooner said than done. Angkor Thom became not just a complex of buildings, this place was a scaled-down model of the universe as the Khmers saw it. The “Big City” is a square protected by a fortress wall and a moat filled with water. This is how the Khmers imagined the world - a piece of land surrounded by water.
Canals were laid around the city, and barai pools were created inside, in which, paradoxically, even women were allowed to bathe.
At least, the Chinese Zhou Daguan, who visited Angkor in the thirteenth century, talks about collective bathing of the fair sex. On the towers of Angkor Thom and the walls surrounding Big city, you can see the faces of Buddha. A road leads into the city, which is “guarded” by sculptures of demons and gods.
There are several interesting objects inside the city. The first is the state temple of Jayavarman VII, it is rightfully considered the second temple of Angkor after Angkor Wat.
From a distance, the temple seems like a simple pile of stones, but when you get closer to it, you realize that these are real pyramids, decorated with images of Buddha. Bayon is crowned with 54 towers - this is exactly the number of provinces it consisted of. ancient empire Khmers. In the eastern part of Angkor Thom is the Terrace of the Elephants, which is easily recognizable by its sculptures of elephants and bas-reliefs depicting hunting scenes. According to the generally accepted version, this is where the emperor sat during ceremonies.
Nowadays, near Bayon one can constantly observe personalities depicting Shiva, garuda or apsaras. The price for a photo with them is the traditional 5 dollars.
TA PROHM
The second temple ensemble, erected by Jayavarman VII, was seen by all those who watched the film “Lara Croft - Tomb Raider,” because the film was filmed on the territory of this complex. The temple is dedicated to the mother of the emperor.
At the time of Jayavarman VII, more than 12 thousand people lived in Ta Prokhm, the inside of the temple was decorated with gold and precious stones, and on the territory of the complex there were hospitals, each of which was staffed not only by doctors, but also by priests and astrologers.
In the photo: trees entwining the Ta Prokhm temple
Today, the gigantic temple complex is in ruins, and the roofs and walls of the buildings are entwined with tree roots. The spectacle is beautiful and creepy at the same time. .
In the photo: ruins and trees in Angkor
PRAH KHAN
The name Preah Knah is translated as “sword of glory” or “victory”, because this is the name that the sword of the same Jayavarman VII bore. The temple is dedicated to the emperor's victory over the Chams, as a result of which the Cham country became a province of Cambodia.
Like all occult buildings of Angkor, Preah Knah is huge; the temple complex, along with a hospital and an inn for pilgrims, occupied an area of approximately 56 hectares.
The peculiarity of Preah Khan is that the temple complex was surrounded on all sides by ditches, through which water flowed into reservoirs and a reservoir, in the center of which a pyramid was erected.
In addition to the pyramid temple, local statues (they have been preserved in surprisingly good condition) and bas-reliefs deserve attention: sculptures depicting garudas and bas-reliefs with dancing apsaras are found here at every step.
By the way, according to scientists, Preah Khan was the site of a curious ritual in ancient times. Celebrations were held here in honor of Buddha: the Buddha statue was dressed in luxurious clothes, cooks prepared food especially for the statue, and musicians and dancers entertained the statue with performances. Of course, now no such rituals are carried out in Preah Khan, but the temple is not completely abandoned; incense and candles are still burned here.
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Yulia Malkova- Yulia Malkova - founder of the website project. In the past, he was the editor-in-chief of the elle.ru Internet project and the editor-in-chief of the cosmo.ru website. I talk about travel for my own pleasure and the pleasure of my readers. If you are a representative of hotels or a tourism office, but we do not know each other, you can contact me by email: [email protected]
Hello, dear readers! Today the goal of our virtual journey will be the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia. The Angkor region was the center of Kambujadeshi, ancient state Khmers. In addition to Cambodia itself, it included the territories of today's Laos, Vietnam and Thailand.
As is known from, this feudal kingdom existed from the 9th to the 13th centuries. It reached its peak in the 12th century, when Angkor Wat was built. History is silent about what the temple was called in those days.
Suryavarman II, one of the rulers of the Khmer Empire, erected it in honor of the Hindu god Vishnu. Therefore, there are suggestions that the historical name could sound like “Varah Vishnuloka”, that is, “the place where Saint Vishnu lives.”
What does the modern name mean?
"Angkor" (from the Sanskrit "nagara") means "city". It is interesting that in Kambujadesh they spoke two languages: the rulers spoke Sanskrit, and the common people spoke Khmer. The word "Wat" in Asian languages can mean temple, pagoda or monastery.
Angkor Wat temple complex, Cambodia
The Khmer language is no exception, but it also has a second meaning for the word “Vat”: it is “admiration” or “veneration”.
Cambodians are incredibly proud of their main shrine. The image of Angkor Wat is present on the state symbols of the country: the coat of arms and the flag.
Thus, the name of the sanctuary can be translated as:
- temple city;
- city temple;
- capital temple.
But in fact, the word Angkor has long become a proper name and therefore cannot be translated in any way. Therefore, Angkor Wat is the temple of Angkor.
Location
The ruins of Angkor are located very close to Siem Reap. It is the capital of the Cambodian province of the same name. Angkor Archaeological Park occupies approximately four hundred square meters. km along with its wooded territory.
Angkor Wat temple complex on the map
Here are the majestic relics of the capitals of the Khmer Empire, which existed in different time from the 9th to the 15th centuries. They include the Angkor Wat temple, which will be discussed in our story. Angkor Archaeological Park has been protected by UNESCO since 1992.
Rediscovery of the world
The once great Kambujadesha was drained of blood by endless wars with neighbors and exorbitant expenses for grandiose construction. In the 14th century it ceased to exist. Angkor Wat gradually fell into disrepair, but was not completely abandoned, since monks always lived here.
Two centuries later, the first Europeans visited the sacred place. They were the Portuguese. At first, the merchant Diogo do Couto published his travel notes. And 36 years later, the monk Antonio da Madalena, visiting the ruins of the temple, described it in excellent colors.
But Europeans really became interested in the shrine in 1860. This time the French did their part in attracting attention to the shrine:
- Preacher Charles-Emile Bouillevo, who published a two-volume book of his impressions from visiting this place.
- Naturalist and traveler Henri Muo, who popularized the great Khmer temple among Westerners.
- Henri Ernest Jean Parmentier, archaeologist and later director of the French Institute Far East, who studied, described in documents and participated in the restoration of the monuments of Angkor.
The Paris Colonial Exhibition, which was held in 1931, exhibited a model of the Angkor Wat sanctuary.
Model of Angkor Wat in the Royal Palace, Cambodia
There were some barbaric antics. In the 70s, some of the buildings and sculptures were damaged by Polpot soldiers. Well, now, protected by the world community, the temple is the number one attraction in the Kingdom of Cambodia, and any travel agency will tell you how to get here.
Those who have already been here share their experiences with tourists:
- Entrance tickets can be purchased for a day, three days or a week. It must be saved, as ticket inspectors periodically check tickets. With a ticket you can leave the complex any number of times during the paid time and re-enter. It is personal: they will take your photo at the ticket office and it will be on the ticket.
- Ticket forgery is punishable by law, as is plunder and damage to Angkor property.
- It is customary to watch the sunrise here at 5 a.m., and the complex closes at 5:30 p.m.
- You must dress appropriately, covering your shoulders and knees. A hat will save you from sunstroke. And despite the heat, it is recommended to choose comfortable shoes, such as sneakers, since the stairs with stone steps are very steep.
- Well, and completely obvious truths: do not litter, smoke, or touch images with your hands. You must respect and follow the instructions of signs and signs on the territory.
Before visiting the temple, of course, it’s a good idea to get some theoretical knowledge. Therefore, let us turn to the description of its architecture.
Architectural features
The Angkorian style in which this sanctuary is built combines features of both Khmer and Hindu architecture. This is a temple-mountain, personifying, combined with many galleries. The building consists of three rectangular terraces that make up a pyramid.
The internal rectangular courtyard occupies two hundred hectares. It is surrounded by a four and a half meter high wall. On the outside of the wall, a ditch filled with water stretches for more than three and a half kilometers.
Along its edges the land has been cleared of jungle to a width of thirty meters. The width of the moat is one hundred and ninety meters, and it is believed that it was he who saved the temple from destruction and from the invasion of wild animals from the jungle during the years of oblivion.
Towers of Angkor Wat
The five towers give the monastery its unique beauty. Each of them is shaped like a lotus flower. The tower, which is in the center, rises sixty-five meters into the sky. She is forty-two meters taller than the other four.
Khmer believers did not go to temples: their gods lived here. Only representatives of the clergy and rulers could go inside. Agkor Wat also served as the tomb of Suryavarman II.
The entrance to the temple is through the western gopura (tower above the gate), which is considered the main one. It consists of three dilapidated towers, behind which the gigantic main building is initially not visible, and is similar in shape to it. Coming out of the gopura, the traveler walks towards the temple along the road, on both sides of which there is a parapet with sculptures of seven-headed snakes.
The road is laid along a dam made of sandstone. The dam was probably previously replaced by a wooden bridge. On the eastern side, an earthen embankment leads to the shrine. There are gopuras on all four cardinal directions, but the other three are smaller than the western one.
Vishnu statue in the south tower, Angkor Wat, Cambodia
There is a statue of Vishnu in the southern tower. It is believed that he appeared there later, and initially his place was in the central hall. Four gopuras on each of the three tiers are connected by galleries decorated with square columns along the outer wall.
The galleries are so spacious that an elephant could walk through them if desired. Because of this, another name for gopura is “elephant gate”. The ceiling of the galleries has decorations in the form of stone lotus flowers. And the walls have the richest decoration, more than a thousand square meters. What is this:
- bas-reliefs with scenes from the history of the Khmers, ancient Indian epics and Hindu myths;
- figurines of two thousand charming demigoddesses - apsaras with intricate, exquisite hairstyles;
Bas-reliefs on the walls of the temple - apsaras
- griffins;
- sculptures of dancing people;
- dragons with wings harnessed to chariots;
- figures of men dancing on the backs of running animals;
- unicorns;
- warriors with leaders riding on elephants;
- devatas.
The map of the complex originally included both city buildings and the royal palace. But they all collapsed over time, since they were not built of stone. Only the outlines of some streets have survived to this day.
From the main road to the temple, perpendicular to it, there are six pairs of side stairs along which you can go down to the territory former city. There are two library buildings located symmetrically on both sides of the road, and in front of them are ponds. These ponds, as well as the cross-shaped terrace into which the main road goes, appeared later than other elements of the complex.
Subtleties of construction
The stones used for the construction are so smooth that they seem polished. No mortar was used to adhere them. They fit so tightly to the adjacent stones that the seams are not visible at all.
Sometimes the blocks have no joints at all; they are held together by gravity. In most blocks, researchers noticed multiple holes about three centimeters in length and slightly smaller in cross-section. Opinions differ about their purpose: some scientists believe that they are intended for metal connecting rods, others that they are for connecting parts, with the help of which the movement of stones during installation was facilitated.
There is evidence that elephants were used to operate the block mechanism. The ropes were made from coir, the middle layer of the wall of coconuts. So the stones were lifted into place.
There are also holes in the walls. This suggests that there were once bronze panels here. This was the height of chic in ancient times, but it also attracted looters.
The figure indicating the amount of sandstone that went into the construction of this ancient monument is impressive: over five million tons. This building material was delivered from the Kulen Plateau along the Siem Reap River.
According to modern ideas, a structure of such complexity should have been built over several hundred years. Nevertheless, the construction of Angkor Wat was completed in about forty years - the lifetime of its founder. This indicates that the builders had some special knowledge and skills.
And finally, absolutely sensational information: scientists have established, using computer programs, that the location of the temples of the Angkor complex exactly corresponds to the location of the stars in the constellation Draco, as it was at the time of sunrise ten and a half thousand years BC, on the day of the vernal equinox. So What is thismiracleSveta, which is only about a thousand years old, continues to keep its secrets.
Conclusion
Having visited the Angkor Wat temple, even inveterate skeptics admit that the famous place has amazing energy and lingers in the soul for a long time. Many come back here again, and more than once. Tourists who have visited here are unanimous on one thing: this miracle must be seen with your own eyes at least once in your life.
Once upon a time I read in a beautiful book with pictures about ancient temple in the middle of the jungle. And I had a dream to see Angkor - an amazing temple complex built between the 9th and 13th centuries by the ancient Khmers. It's ancient architectural structure is both the main attraction of Cambodia and its pride. are located a few kilometers from the city of Siem Reap. They are popular among tourists from all over the world and each of them wants to visit Angkor Wat - the largest Hindu temple in the world and a real treasure of the Khmer Empire. To look at them, I came to Cambodia three different times, and each time I discovered something new.
What is Angkor?
Angkor is an area in Cambodia that contains numerous ruins of temples from the ancient Khmer Empire, which flourished at the beginning of the last millennium. It contains entire constellations of ancient Khmer cities, which combine a variety of architectural styles. Each of the temple cities is connected with the other, and at the same time they are independent and represent different stages in the development of the empire. Some temples (for example) were forgotten immediately after the overthrow of the king who built them, others ceased to have value after another form of construction was found, like the unfinished Ta Keo. But each of them is unique.
The central part of the Angkor territory is Angkor Thom city, surrounded by a deep moat with water and walls 8 meters high and 3 kilometers long. There was a huge palace on it, built under Jayavarman VII, in which the king and people close to him lived, as well as temples and important government institutions. The most famous of them are the Bayon Temple, the terraces of the elephants and the leper king, as well as the Royal Palace and the nearby temple-mountain Bapuon.
Basic information:
| Name | Angkor |
| What is | An area in Cambodia containing the ruins of temples from the ancient Khmer Empire. Also, the word Angkor refers to many Hindu temples built by the Khmers from the 9th to the 16th centuries and distinguished by a unique architectural style. |
| Where is | In the Kingdom of Cambodia, on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia |
| Cultural and historical affiliation | Khmer Empire, Khmer Civilization |
| How to get there | Fly to Siem Reap in Cambodia or travel there by bus or car. After that, rent a vehicle with a driver-guide or rent a bicycle / motorbike / electric bike and go to the Angor temple complex, located a few kilometers north of Siem Reap. |
| Main attractions | 1) Angor Wat Temple, 2) Angor Thom Temple City, 3) Bayon Mountain Temple, 4) Koh Ker Pyramid, 5) Ta Prohm Temple and Beng Melia, miniature pink Banteay Srei Temple. |
| Ticket price | For 1 day - 37 dollars, for 3 days - 62 dollars, for 7 days - 72 dollars. Entrance to some Angora temples costs extra (from 5 to 15 dollars). |
| Angor in films | 1) Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, 2) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom |
Where is Angkor and how to get there
Angkor is located in Cambodia, north of the lake near the city of Siem Reap. It is located on flat terrain, like the ancient city, among fields and forests south of the Kulen plateau. GPS coordinates Angkor: 13° 26′ 0″ N, 103° 50′ 0″ E. The size of Angkor is amazing, its length is 24 kilometers from west to east and 8 kilometers from north to south.
Getting to Angkor can be done in several ways:
Angkor Wat on the map of Southeast Asia
What is the Angkor temple complex?
Angkor temple complex is an architecturally unique collection of temples made of stone (mainly sandstone and laterite), differing in shape: mountain temple, ground-level temple, Angkor Wat (a unique combination of the forms of a mountain temple and a ground-level temple), temple-monasteries , as well as the huge cities of Angkor Thom and Koh Ker. The temple complex was built by the Khmer civilization between the 9th and 12th centuries on the territory of modern Cambodia. The main attraction of the temple complex is the Angkor Wat temple, which occupies an area of 2.5 km 2. And Banteay Srei, built in 967, is considered the most beautiful temple of Angkor, according to many travelers, and this is especially noticeable in the morning rays of the rising sun.
Pink sunrise and silhouette of Angkor Wat temple
- These are amazing ceremonial structures of the Khmers, not similar to each other. They are united into a temple complex, grandiose in scope and historical significance, built during the rule of the Khmer Empire (IX-XVI centuries).
It will take several days to explore all the temples of Angkor, since the archaeological park covers an area of about 200 km 2. The most famous of the temples is Angkor Wat, and the neighboring Angkor Thom and Bayon are known as the most outstanding architectural monuments Khmer Empire, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Basic information about the temples of Angkor:
| Name | Temples of Angkor |
| Where are they located? | On the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. The main temples of Angkor are concentrated north of the city of Siem Reap in Cambodia, but there are many free-standing temples in other provinces of the Kingdom of Cambodia, as well as in Thailand and Laos. |
| What are they? | Religious and cult Hindu buildings built by representatives of the Khmer Empire in the period from the 9th to the 16th centuries, the main distinctive feature of which is a unique architecture. |
| Main temples of Angkor | Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, Koh Ker, Beng Melia, Kbal Spean, Preah Khan, Phnom Bakheng |
| 1) Temple-mountain; 2) Temple at ground level; 3) Temple-monastery; 4) City-temple. | |
| Division by geographical location | 1) Near Angkor temples (next to Angor Wat); 2) Distant temples of Angokra |
| How to watch | The best way to see the temples of Angkor is independent travel to Cambodia (Siem Reap city). |
| Number of Angora temples | More than 1000 |
| Main building material | Sandstone, laterite |
Temple-mountain is a ceremonial structure on the territory of modern Cambodia in the form of a stepped pyramid, personifying Mount Meru and fully embodying the cosmogony of Hinduism. It was dedicated to the god Shiva, was the center of religious life among the ancient Khmers and the repository of the royal linga. This form of Angkor temples was characteristic of the beginning of the heyday of the Khmer civilization (from the 9th to the 10th centuries). The ditch around it represents the world ocean in which the earth is located, the walls of the temple are mountain ranges, and the second ditch is considered the sea. Examples of temple-mountains are Bakong, Phnom Bakheng, and the Ta Keo temple, also part of the Angkor temple complex, was never completed.
Ground level temple– Khmer type of temples dedicated to ancestors, characteristic feature which are massive platforms at the base, as well as rich sculptural decoration of stairs, facades and passages and masterfully executed carvings on stone pediments. The design of the Banteay Srei temple was a real masterpiece of such carvings. This form of temple construction was also characteristic of the first half of the Khmer Empire. The first ground level temple is considered to be Preah Koh, followed by Prasat Kravan and Loh Lei.
During the construction of Angkor Wat in the 12th century, Khmer engineering attempted to embody both of these forms of temple in one structure, and the result was temple-mountain at ground level. This time is considered the golden age of Khmer architecture. There were other attempts to build a similar engineering and architectural masterpiece, as a result of which Beng Melia and Banteay Samre appeared in the Angkor temple complex.
Temples-monasteries- These are huge ceremonial structures occupying a vast area as part of the Angkor temple complex in Cambodia. They were mainly built under King Jayavarman VII (a proponent of Mahayana Buddhism) and were surrounded by numerous buildings richly decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptures. The most famous temple-monasteries are Ta Prohm and Preah Khan.
Angkor Wat in Cambodia
Angkor Wat- This is the main temple of the huge Angkor complex. It was built in the 12th century and became the pearl of the Khmer architectural style - a balance was finally found between cosmology, between politics, architecture and the capabilities of people. And now Angkor Wat still amazes people with its sophistication and it is its five lotus towers that adorn the coat of arms of Cambodia.
Angkor Wat is located next to Siem Reap, and all the routes offered to tourists by tuk-tuk drivers pass through it. So, when you come to Siem Reap, you will definitely see it!
Angkor Wat on the map
Basic information about Angkor Wat in Cambodia:
| Name | Angkor Wat |
| Where is | 6 km from the city of Siem Reap in Cambodia on the territory of the Angkor temple complex |
| GPS coordinates | 13° 24′ 45″ N, 103° 52′ 0″ E 13.4125, 103.866667 |
| What is | A Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, built during the heyday of the Khmer Empire. It is the largest religious building in the world and is protected by UNESCO. |
| How to get there | Arrive in the city of Siem Reap in Cambodia, and then go on an excursion to Angkor on your own or by hiring transport with a personal driver in the city. You can also buy a place on an organized tour to Angkor Wat with a guided tour |
| Working hours | From 5:00 to 18:00 |
| Cost of visit | Ticket price for 1 day is $37 per person. A three-day ticket costs 62 USD, and a week ticket costs 72 USD. |
| When and by whom was it built? | XII century. Construction of Angkor Wat was started by Suryavarman II and completed by Jayavarman VII |
| Architectural style | Khmer |
| Square | 200 ha |
| Height of central prasat | 65 meters |
| Wall dimensions | 1.5 x 1.3 km (rectangular) |
| Width of the water ditch around | 190 meters |
| Best time to visit | November to February (during dry season) |
| Attendance (number of tourists) | More than 2.5 million people per year |
| Page on the UNESCO website | http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/668 |
Routes around Angkor
A visit to Angkor should be carefully prepared, because there are many temples, and all are interesting in their own way. First of all, you need to make a route, deciding which of the temples of the huge temple complex will be included in it and which will not. Fortunately, travelers and tukers in Siem Reap have long ago solved this problem.
What is the large and small circle of Angkor
- This is an examination of the main attractions of the temple complex, built during the power of the Khmer Empire. During an organized excursion, tourists who come to the city of Siem Reap, which is located near Angkor Wat, are accommodated in hotels, and during the day they visit ancient temples. A self-guided tour to Angkor is more popular among travelers. There is nothing difficult about how to organize it. To do this, you need to hire a vehicle with a driver in Siem Reap, who will take you from one inspection site to another, or you can rent a bicycle or motorbike in the city and drive yourself.
It is possible to come to Angkor from neighboring countries. A very popular excursion among tourists from Pattaya to Cambodia, during which an organized group with a Russian-speaking guide is brought by bus to Siem Reap for 1-2 days to show the main attraction - Angkor Wat. There are also excursions from Ho Chi Minh City and Sihanoukville.
The most interesting thing that awaits you during the excursion to Angkor:
- Go watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat
- Admire the many faces of the Bayon Temple, whose faces sometimes smile or feel sad in different lighting conditions
- Visit the ruins of Ta Prohm from the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie
- Soar over Angkor in a hot air balloon
- You can ride an elephant to Mount Bakeng and watch the sunset there
- Buy souvenirs, knitwear and black pepper at the market
- Go to the evening Apsara dance show
Hotels in Siem Reap
Upon arrival, first of all you need to check in in advance booked hotel or find it with the help of a tukker, who will probably offer his help in exchange for a promise to take you to the sights of Angkor. There are a lot of hotels in Siem Reap - for every taste and budget: cheap guesthouses for $10 and expensive villas for $100 or more.
- Important: all the details about the city of Siem Reap and what hotels there are,
You can compare prices for Siem Reap hotels and choose the most suitable one right here:
How to watch Angkor - all options
Apart from an organized bus ride to Angkor or hiring a tuk-tuk with driver to Siem Reap, there are several other options. Since 2016, it has become possible to explore the temple complex on a rented motorbike or electric bike. This is the most important innovation and it mainly concerns independent travelers.
- The first thing that catches your eye when walking around Siem Reap is the rows of new motorbikes. Now they are rented out to anyone! So the opportunity arose independently explore the temples of Angkor on a motorbike. Previously, the tuk-tuk guild was against tourists moving around the temple complex on their own (unless no one touched cyclists, they were simply waved at!). But now tukers have lost part of their audience. You can rent a motorbike on any street - prices range from 12 to 20 dollars. We borrowed a motorbike from an enterprising Chinese owner of a souvenir shop, which is convenient for two to ride. Initially it was sold for $15 (at other offices it was $20), but we negotiated it for $13. Moreover, the bike was good, Japanese, new and powerful. And the number on this bike was from the capital. A motorbike is, of course, real freedom for independent travelers who have either already been to Siem Reap and roughly understand the territory of the archaeological park, or for the independent and courageous, who only need a map or navigator for adventure.
- Bicycles also available for rent - price from a dollar to two per day, depending on the location. We rented at our hotel and paid $1.5 for one day, and if we had ridden for two days or more, the price would have dropped to a dollar a day. In addition, guided bike rides around the temples of Angkor have become fashionable. After all, in Europe it’s common to ride bicycles, so why deny yourself this on vacation? And the whole company, 5-10 people each, hires a guide, sits on their bicycles and rides together between the temples. I can’t even imagine how much the guide is paid for his torment.
- There is also a new option - electric bikes. But, they say, they are still low-power, slow and have weak batteries. That is, they will be suitable for a ride around the city of Siem Reap. But it’s better not to ride them to temples, otherwise who knows who else will carry whom... The price of electric bikes is $10. On the roads we even sometimes saw green signs where you can charge your electric bike for free. How this works in reality has not been tested. We rode an electric bike around Bagan during , and decided that if you follow some rules, an electric bike is very useful when exploring the countless pagodas of Bagan. About our e-bike rental experience in Bagan.
- Tuk-tukers there are still a lot and they are happy to offer their services and take you around the temples of Angkor. Read about how important it is to choose a good tukker. By the way, as we found out, tuk-tuk is a name for tourists. But the Cambodians themselves call their carts with a motorcycle - remork.
- Angkor Wat in a hot air balloon. There is also the opportunity to view the main temple of Angkor from a bird's eye view. You can go up in a hot air balloon for $20.
Cute bikes for rent
Motorbikes can now also be rented
Prices for tuk-tuk in Siem Rim
These are the prices you can use as a guideline for excursions to Angkor Wat in 2016-2017
Tickets to Angkor
The cost of tickets to visit the temples of Angkor has not changed for many years.
- 1 day – $37
- 3 days – $62 (ticket valid for 10 days)
- 7 days – $72 (valid for a month)
Tickets are personal, or rather “face” tickets. They contain your instant photo, which is taken by the cashier during the sale, and cannot be transferred to other people.
The availability of tickets is now checked at every temple, and they look not only at their expiration date, but also often compare your appearance with the photo on the ticket. The guards at the entrance every day put a mark that you have already visited the park today, so that you cannot cheat and use a three-day ticket for more days.
You can skip days and visit the temples of Angkor at a time convenient for you. During the day you can enter and leave the park as many times as you like. On your first visit, the archaeological park staff will still note that you have already been there that day.
What else you need to know about Angkor
Rules for visiting Angkor:
- Working hours. All temples open at 7.30 am and close by 5.30 pm. Before and after, tourists are not allowed into the temple grounds. The exceptions are Angkor Wat, which opens at 5 a.m. to allow travelers to watch the sunrise, while Pre Rup and Phnom Bakheng are open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Here you have the opportunity to watch both sunrise and sunset. But in reality, almost everyone goes to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat, and for sunset they gather on Bakeng Hill. It is worth adding that there are guards on duty near each of the temples, so it is unlikely that you will be able to easily enter at the wrong time.
- Dress code. The temples of Angkor are not active, so you can walk around the territory in shoes that should be comfortable, because in the heat the stones become very hot. However, walking up stairs in flip-flops will be extremely uncomfortable. It is better to choose clothes that are light and comfortable, but not overly revealing.
- Be careful on stairs. Some temples, especially those like Ta Keo, with steep and high stairs, should be visited with caution. Keep your hands free when you're on ladders so you can always grab a hold. Be as vigilant as possible and watch your step!
- Mines in Cambodia. Don't forget that Cambodia went through a terrible civil war just a few decades ago, and not all of its lands are free of mines. The areas near Mount Phnom Kulen, the Kbal Spean River and the Koh Ker pyramid are still mined. Stay on the hiking trails and don't ignore the Danger! Mines! This is not a joke or a prank.
- Drink water. Always take enough drinking water with you!
A detailed historical excursion that will tell you about Angkor Wat - the legendary temple complex in Cambodia. Get ready, it will be interesting!
The religious building of Angkor Wat is the world's largest Hindu temple. It is considered one of the most magnificent “pearls” of Angkor, the ancient capital of the powerful Khmer Empire. While on vacation in Cambodia, an independent traveler should definitely visit this mysterious and beautiful place.
Angkor Wat: history
More than ten centuries ago, the Khmer Empire (Kambujadesha) existed on the territory of Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Its founder was King Jayavarman II (802-850), who united these lands through bloody wars.
The empire reached its peak a little later, during the reign of Suryavarman II (1113-1150). The king worshiped the Hindu god Vishnu, and Angkor Wat was built in honor. The construction of the religious building lasted more than 30 years. Not only local craftsmen worked on its creation. By order of the ruler, craftsmen were searched throughout Asia.
The main material used was sandstone, which was brought from a quarry located 40 km away. from the construction site. The stones were polished and stacked on top of each other. No mortar was used during installation.
In those distant times, rulers were considered messengers of the gods. After the death of Suryavarman II, the temple became his tomb. Since then, the history of Angkor and its main religious monument have been inextricably linked.
The construction of the temple complex undermined the country's economy. In addition, the capital was overpopulated; at that time more than 1 million people lived in it. There was a catastrophic shortage of water, and fertile lands were depleted. During the reign of Jayavarman VII (1181-1218), several uprisings occurred, as a result of which Angkor was partially destroyed.
Later, the capital was repeatedly invaded by Siamese troops. After the last invasion in 1431, Angkor finally fell into disrepair. People left the city forever. Only monks remained to live in the temples. The capital of the empire was moved to Phnom Penh. The territory of Angkor was swallowed up rainforests, and the structures became home to thousands of animals. But the city did not disappear forever.
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At the beginning of the 17th century, Portuguese and Spanish travelers accidentally stumbled upon mysterious stone structures in the jungle. But for some reason, the Europeans did not attach any importance to the unusual find and soon forgot about it. Ancient Angkor owes its second birth (late 19th century) to a French traveler Henri Muo. He described the ancient city in detail and with admiration in his manuscripts. Crowds of explorers, scientists, historians, pilgrims and traders rushed to Angkor.
Photo 45 years after opening: 1906
Unfortunately, not a trace remains of the capital's former splendor. The sandstone from which the buildings were built has eroded over time due to exposure to wind, sun and water. Most of the wooden buildings were burned by vandals during periods of hostilities. Tree roots and branches grew through the walls of buildings in many places.
Thanks to the efforts of thousands of people, by the middle of the 20th century, many buildings in the city, including Angkor Wat, were restored. After graduation civil war, the restoration of the temple complex was carried out mainly by Indian specialists. Since 1992, the unique creation of Khmer masters has been protected by UNESCO.
Photo 45 years after opening: 1906
Structure and architecture of Angkor Wat
The temple is located in the very center of the ancient city. Angkor Wat measures 1.3 km from north to south and 1.5 km from west to east. Religious building of rectangular shape. It consists of three levels (tiers), which increase in height towards the center. By appearance somewhat reminiscent of a pyramid. The levels represent three elements: air, earth and water. The territory of the complex is surrounded by lush greenery and is reliably protected on all sides by a moat with water. The width of the moat is more than 100 m. A stone bridge is laid across it, connecting the rectangular “island” with land. Further the road leads to the main entrance. The central gate and the front side of the structure are oriented to the west. There is also a road to the eastern side of Angkor Wat, but it is less noticeable and can be found by using the services of a guide.
You have to walk around the entire temple territory; transport is prohibited here.
Angkor Wat is located in such a way that when looking at it from any direction, only three of the five towers are always visible. This proves the skill of the architects of that time. The towers and tiers are connected by staircases, intersecting galleries, and covered walkways. The internal space thus formed is divided into numerous square-shaped courtyards.
The walls of galleries and corridors, columns and stairs are covered with bas-reliefs, carvings and paintings. The ceilings are decorated with lotus images and intricate patterns. On the territory of the complex, many statues of strange animals, mythical heroes and real historical characters have been preserved.
The first tier is the largest and consists of several galleries and passages. The walls are decorated with numerous images. There are 8 panels here, the total length of which is more than 800 m. The main “subjects” are the battles of the gods, the period of the reign of the great Suryavarman II and numerous battles for the power of the empire. Several panels are dedicated to scenes from the epics “Mahabharata” and “Ramayana”. The outer wall is made in the form of a double row of columns.
At the end of each gallery there are corner pavilions. Two pavilions are connected to the main galleries. Two more end in shallow niches in the wall. At one time these recesses were also decorated with bas-reliefs, but over time they have worn away and are barely noticeable.
The gate towers of the main entrance are connected to the towers of the second tier using transitions. Between them are four courtyards, which are filled with water during the rainy season and serve as swimming pools. The interior walls of the galleries are made in the form of columns, through which the courtyard-pools are visible. On the opposite walls, between windows with figuratively carved columns, figures of thousands of celestial dancers (apsaras) are carved. There are many statues in the long corridors.
At the intersection of the galleries (from north to south) there are corner columns with inscriptions in an unknown language. On both sides of the second tier there are libraries, each of which has four entrances.
In the very “heart” of the third tier there is a central tower (65 m). This is the tallest building in the complex. It personifies the mythical Mount Meru - the home of the supreme Khmer gods. Around it there are smaller towers around the perimeter. Their tops look like a lotus bud - a symbol of purity and enlightenment. Figures of devatas (demigoddesses) decorate the walls of the third tier.
From here you can enjoy an incredibly beautiful view of the surrounding area. Since 2010, in order to preserve the monument, changes have been made to the rules for visiting Angkor Wat. No more than 100 people are allowed into the upper tier of the temple at a time. During all Buddhist holidays, the upper galleries are closed to visitors. There are also restrictions on clothing: shoulders and knees must be covered.
Watching sunrise and sunset on the territory of Angkor Wat is very popular among tourists. Bathed in the sun, Angkor Wat looks especially majestic.
Most routes begin and end at the temple. To visit and explore the complex you need to allocate at least 6-8 hours. Other attractions of Angkor are no less popular among tourists.
And finally, watch an interesting film about this grandiose structure!
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