A Hindu Buddhist temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Cambodia, also referred to as the Capital of Temples, Angkor Wat, is an architectural marvel. It is an example of one of humanity’s marvellous spiritual achievements.
Originally constructed as a Hindu Temple in 1150 CE, it was dedicated to Lord Vishnu. As time passed by and coming to an end of the century, it got transformed into a Buddhist temple.
It is even depicted on the national flag of Cambodia.
Artistry and Origin
Angkor Wat symbolizes a mystical mountain of Hindu Mythology, Mount Meru. The five towers of Angkor Wat resemble peaks of Mount Meru. Also, the main tower is perfectly aligned with the morning sun of spring equinox.
Built at the order of Suryavarman II, the Khmer King, at 12th century in Yasodharpura (present day Angkor), the present-day temple was restored in the 20th century.
Legends
According to a legend, a divine architect constructed the temple in one single night.
Another legend from The Poem of Angkor Wat in Khmer language suggests that the Hindu God Preah Pisnukar or Brah Bisnukar, Vishvakarman, constructed this divine temple.
Another legend suggests that, the temple was built as a palace for the son of Indra. The construction was ordered by Indra himself, for his son Precha Key Mealea.
Rediscovering the Lost City
A 150 years abandoned monument, a hidden stone City, it was discovered in the 16th century by the Portuguese traders in Cambodia. Antonio da Madalena is regarded as the one of the first recorded visitors of the ruins in 1586. Later, historian Diogo do Cuoto documented, that read:
Half a league from this city is a temple called Angar. It is of such extraordinary construction that it is not possible to describe it with a pen, particularly since it is like no other building in the world. It has towers and decoration and all the refinements which the human genius can conceive of. There are many smaller towers of similar style, in the same stone, which are gilded. The temple is surrounded by a moat, and access is by a single bridge, protected by two stone tigers so grand and fearsome as to strike terror into the visitor.
Years later in the 1860, a French explorer, Henri Mouhot rediscovered it, and noted, which read:
One of these temples, a rival to that of Solomon, and erected by some ancient Michelangelo, might take an honourable place beside our most beautiful buildings. It is grander than anything left to us by Greece or Rome, and presents a sad contrast to the state of barbarism in which the nation is now plunged.
His notes gave enough fame to the monument. Initial records about Angkor Wat is included in the Travels in the Central Parts of Indo-China, Siam, Cambodia and Laos, the work of Mouhot published posthumously by the Royal Geographical Society in 1864.
Restoration
École française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO) established the Conservation d’Angkor (Angkor Conservancy) to restore the temple complex in 1908, but was disbanned in 1975 due to Cambodian Civil War. The Archaeological Survey of India worked for restoration of the temple from 1986-1992. Finally, Angkor Wat became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and as of now, it is regarded as the largest religious structure and one of the most visited places on earth.
Delighted to visit Angkor Wat, the world’s largest ancient temple complex 🇰🇭—a magnificent symbol of 🇮🇳🇰🇭 shared civilizational heritage. Proud to note India was the first country to offer support for restoration.
— Pabitra Margherita (@PmargheritaBJP) July 9, 2025
Also visited the Ta Prohm Temple, where the Archaeological… pic.twitter.com/HoWPn2MgY3
Other Info:
The French started the colonial rule in Cambodia from 1863.
Cambodia gained its independence from French rule on 9 November 1953.
