The Temples of ANGKOR WAT

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The Temples ofANGKOR WAT

• Siem Reap - Cambodia

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The Flag

• In varying forms , the Kingdom of Cambodia has
  had as its icon the temples of Angkor Wat.
• The significance of this religious land mark is
  emphasised by its placement on the flag.

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Time line

• The temples of Angkor Wat were built in the
  Angkor period.
• It was a significant period in Cambodian history
  as the Khmer empire consolidated itself as one of
  the great powers of the South East Asian region.
• The period covers more than 600 years , from 802
  1432.
• These temples were built in the city of Angkor
  Thom

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• The temples wee originally built as places of
  Hindu worship .
• Many of the Bas-reliefs tell the stories of
  battles with foreign invaders, worship of Hindu
  gods and daily life in Cambodia.

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• The temples take the shape of mountains.
• This aqua photograph highlights the significance
  of water as a life giving force in Hindu worship.

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From Hinduism to Buddhism

• Angkor Wat was restored as a Buddhist shrine in
  the 1600s.
• It is a significant place of Buddhist worship
  today, with Buddhist shrines present throughout
  the complex.

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Jungle Temples

• After several invasions from foreign countries
  and a weakening of the Khmer Empire, the temples
  of Angkor were over-run by the jungle.
• Sandstone has eroded and the structures have
  become weak.
• Bat droppings have also significantly damaged the
  temples.
• The Khmer Rouge damaged large parts of the
  temples decapitating the Hindu gods etc.
• General pilfering has also taken its toll.

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Restoration

• Many countries are contributing to the expensive
  task of restoring the temples.
• Countries such as France, Japan and the United
  States have undertaken significant projects to
  restore the temples.
• It is a costly and slow process.
• A process which the Cambodian people are most
  supportive of asthey are very proud of their
  temples.

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• Angkors 100 or more temples are a part of a
  complex devoted to religious worship. It is the
  larges area of land devoted to religious worship
  in the world.
• Each temple and structure reveals a significant
  religious practice or aspect of the way of life
  at the time of the Angkor period.

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