Intriguing Bas reliefs, Suryavarman II - AngkorWat Hindu Temple

Angkor Wat – An architectural marvel

History

Angkor Wat- one of the biggest religious monuments carved out of stone is found to be built by Suryavarman II during 1120 and 1150 and fittingly functioned as both the state temple and as the capital city of the khmer empire justifying its name (Angkor means the city and Wat means the Pagoda). Owing to its baffling size, many even call this as the largest Asian pyramid that scales as high as 200 feet high.

Spiritual orientation

Without any doubt, Angkor Wat bears enough proof regarding the spiritual orientation of the ruler and his subjects following the Hindu tradition and beliefs. But what is more interesting is that Suryavarman II chose the Hindu deity God Vishnu over God Shiva - the then prevailing god of Angkor. Even though the actual reasons for this particular change of adherence are unfamiliar, historians find this one particular analysis suitable: Vishnu is the god who is known to reinstate universal order by taking the human form or avatar; maybe Suryavarman II too desired to depict himself that way as a lord who would bring prosperity to his subjects or even as the avatar of the great deity himself.

Fifth Dham, Bayon, Elephant Terrace, East Mebon, Ta Prohm | Angkorwat

Fifth Dham Temple of AngkorWat - The Bayon, Elephant Terrace, East Mebon, Ta Prohm, Benteay Srei, Pre Rup, Ta Som, Srah Srang, Baksei Chamkrong, Preah Ko.

Bayon Angkor Wat

The Bayon

This temple built by Jayavarman VII has 54 towers and features 216 faces situated at the center of Angkor Thom. According to the widely accepted theory, the faces found on the tower structures are said to be that of a bodhisattva (an enlightened Buddhist) named Avalokitesvara. But others suggest that they could be of Jayavarman VII, considering the likeness of his facial features matching the faces found on the towers. The splendor and colossal scale of face structures with alluring smiles pronounce unfathomable meanings while the creepiness of being watched makes the Bayon stand apart from the other ancient sites. Though predominantly considered as a Buddhist site, this temple has various Hindu elements as part of its architecture. Similar to AngorWat, this temple is place to some exquisite bas relief corridors portraying historical events of significance.

The #BayonAngkorwat is located in the center of the city of AngkorThom, dedicated to #Buddhist. Read More ..