Temples of Angkor

Year upon year, millions flock to Cambodia to see the archaeological masterpieces at Angkor. ANGKOR WATT is the most well-known piece of architecture reserved from the Khmer Empire, being also the largest religious building on earth. Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, Angkor Watt started construction in approximately 961 AD and completely finished in 1113AD. Suryavarman II was perhaps one of the greatest kings, if not the greatest, for heading the initiative for building the temple of Angkor Watt. And in the process, he managed to successfully pull off a move of the captial to Angkor, building many other major buildings and public temples, and was able to battle and defeated the Chams at the same time.

The famous Angkor Watt, seen from above.

Angkor Watt

A bas relief, which is a carved section of inner wall, of Angkor Watt. This section depicts King Suryavarman being shielded by fifteen parasols, or umbrellas, to protect him from the sun.

The Bayon

THE BAYON was the last of the great Angkorian temples to be constructed. It is dominated by five towers, with every side of the tower carved with the calm face of King Jayavarman VII, the King whom constructed this temple between 1189CE and 1219CE.

One of the towers constructed at Bayon, in Angkor

An outer wall of The Bayon, illustrating a kitchen scene, where we can see a fire-heated pan ready for food to be cooked in the centre. To the right of the image we see men placing plants on a fire, possible as a fuel.

Banteay Srei

BANTEAY SREI ('Mansion of Women') wasn’t built by direction of a king. A royal family Brahmin (high priest), who was Hindu, built the temple. Carved on the walls of this building are 'apsara', which according to Hindu beliefs, were beautiful, supernatural women who had the power to bless people with good fortunes.

Banteay Seri, Angkor