One of the buddhist sculptures on the oustide of the outer gallery at Ankor Wat.
What used to be a blog about experiencing the places and cultures of the world has morphed into one of living in my adopted home of Wyoming.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Ankor Wat is a Mountain Temple dedicated to Shiva. It was created by, in one report, Suryavarman in the 12th century (yes, 1100's), though I have seen other literature indicate Jayavarman as its ruler...perhaps it was built prior to Jayavarman taking over? Needs more research. At any rate, the temple is a Hindu temple and was built as a royal tomb, so it is one of only a few that face west. Interestingly, when the region later became predominately buddhist, no real destruction was laid to the existing temples. But later when it returned to Hindu rule, the destruction of Buddhist iconography was rampant among the temples built by Buddhists during that period.
The central square within Ankor Wat has relief panels along each of its N, S, E, and W walls. I forget which wall this is but they depict such things as the rising of Suryavarman II to the throne (he built Ankor Wat), battles with the Chams, an ethnic group from Vietnam, the Thais, and everyday life. They were floor to ceiling for incredible lengths. The workmanship was amazing.
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