Angkor Wat is actually just one part of the temples located in the complex of Angkor. However, Angkor Wat is one of the most beautiful temples, and has the most intricate designs in the Angkor complex. Complex of Angkor Wat was built by King Suryavarman II, in the mid-12th century, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and serve as a royal temple, and the city center. At first Angkor Wat temple serves as a Hindu, but in the 13th century converted into Buddhist temples. This is because in the course of history, with the inclusion of Buddhism in Cambodia is growing more rapidly, then the Temple of Angkor Wat then be used as a Buddhist Temple. This makes the temple of Angkor Wat Temple which became a well maintained, unlike other temples in the Angkor complex.
Angkor Wat complex development process takes about 30 years. As the concept of building a Hindu temple in general, the concept of god-king is shown by the structure of the Meru-shaped building. There are five high-rise towers of Angkor Wat in the middle building. In addition to architectural grandeur, several intact statues with condition no longer to be found therein. Angkor Wat if the note is physically have the same structure as Prambanan in Indonesia. Especially if you see the stone reliefs contained in the outer wall. There is the story of Ramayana, Tirta Amrita or battles with Champa Khmer troops. This is not surprising, because in ancient times the place was once controlled by one of the kingdoms of Indonesia (Majapahit kingdom of Java).
Apart from Angkor Wat, the temple must go in this complex of Angkor Thom (the Bayon) and Ta Phrom
Angkor Thom (Bayon Temple)
Angkor Thom is one part of the archaeological site of Angkor Wat temples. This temple is located about 3 kilometers from Angkor Wat and is unique in building the tower that has carved a smiley face. Most states face was a representation of the face of the king Suryavarman II, the founder. But there is also argued that the faces are the faces of Buddha. The face is engraved on the towers facing the four directions of the compass. Building on the Bayon temple reliefs sculpture consists of 54 faces of Kannon, the Buddhist deity.
The name of this temple, the memory immediately drawn to the beautiful Angelina Jolie. The temple is located in the middle of this forest was the site of filming Tomb Raider. Characteristic of the building at this place is a giant tree roots that dangle and twist these ancient buildings. Some of the pillars of the temple were given iron to withstand the pressure from the roots. In the beginning Ta Phrom is the location of the residence of the monks amid lush forest with trees. But over time the trees were growing out of control and spread to the building with its roots. Government and foreign donors can only assist with setting up an iron pillar under the building because if done logging, it is feared even make the building collapse. Relief at Ta Phrom is quite a lot with motifs of gods crowned.
Today Angkor Wat Complex became a place of worship for Hindus and Buddhists. If interested in coming to Cambodia, should note that tourists generally come in high season, the month of October to March. In this season, the weather Cambodia was warmer and drier. Most tourists who come from Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, as well as Europe and America who co-direct flight from Singapore or Bangkok.
