Angkor Wat - The largest religious complex in the world.

One of the greatest and most admired religious structures in the world – Angkor Wat in northern Cambodia, one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes on the Asian Continent is now the eighth Wonder of the World.

• The complex covers over 400 acres and was the center of the Khmer Empire. Built in the early 12th century, it was initially designed to serve as a Hindu temple. It became a Buddhist temple at the end of the 12th century.
• However, as time passed and history changed, Angkor Wat slowly fell into disrepair and disuse. In the 1840s, Angkor Wat was rediscovered by French explorers and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In this article, we will analyze the Temple’s importance and how it is significant to historic and modern Times?

History of the temple

The builder of Angkor Wat was King Suryavarman II. He was one of the most famous kings of the Angkorian civilization who ruled from 1113 to 1150 A.D. He established his power and consolidated the Khmer Empire.

• King Suryavarman II was an ambitious and warlike leader, responsible for the expansion of the boundaries of the empire which lasted over 50 years.
• He was also known as a religious reformer who harmonized the mystical cults of Shiva and Vishnu and the other Hindu deities. He also declared Vaishnavism the official religion of the empire. (Vaishnavism is a form of Hinduism that believes primarily in the deity, Vishnu).
• Vaishnavas worship the ten incarnations of Vishnu, including Krishna and Rama.

Achievements:

When Suryavarman II became the emperor of the Khmer Empire, the kingdom was in a state of chaos. Control of the empire had been lost, and the empire was economically weak. However, these challenges did not hold him back. 

Suryavarman II was able to gain access to the throne. He was viewed as the protector of the Cambodian masses. As the head of the Khmer Empire, Suryavarman II organized a powerful military and attacked the kingdom of the Chams.

Eventually, King Suryavarman II was able to succeed not only through his military tactics and efforts, but also through his strong skilled diplomacy. During his reign, he was able to commission magnificent architecture and art while building and maintaining good relations with his neighbor China. He demonstrated his ability to maximize trade.