First Hindu dedicated to Vishnu and then change to Buddhist. it is the epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. This magnificent temple combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple mountain and the later galleries temple (based on early South Indian Hindu architecture). it constructed within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 kilometres long with three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next, it is designed to represent Mount Meru (Sumeruk Mountain), home of the devas in Hindu mythology. At the center of the temple stands a quincunx of towers. Angkor Wat is oriented to the west and this has scholars divided as to its significance. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture.
Bayon Temple
Bayon is a richly
decorated Khmer temple built in the late twelfth century or early thirteenth
century (Constructed: Late 12th century
C.E.). Built at the center of King Jayavarman’s capital, Angkor Thom was
the last state temple to be built at Angkor and the only Angkorian state temple to be built primarily as a Mahayana
Buddhist shrine dedicated to the Buddha. Following Jayavarman’s death, it
was changed and augmented by later
Hindu and Theravada Buddhist kings in accordance to their religious
preferences. Bayon is the most
distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and massive stone faces on the
many towers that jut from the upper terrace and cluster around its center peak.
The similarity of the 216 gigantic faces to other statues of Jayavarman VII has
led many scholars to the hypothesize
that the faces are representations of the king himself. Others believe that the
faces belong to Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. The
temple is also popular for two impressive sets of bas-reliefs, which present an
unusual combination of mythological, historical, and mundane scenes. This
is one of the many ‘must visit’ temples.
Banteay Srey Temple
It was consecrated
in late 10th century C.E. Banteay Srey was
speculated to have been known earlier as Banteay Srey, which literally means the Citadel of
Victory. This was the only major temple at Angkor not built by a
monarch. Its construction is credited to a courtier named
Yajnavaraha who was a scholar and
philanthropist and a counselor to king Rajendravarman. He was known to have
helped those who suffered from illness, injustice or poverty. Banteay Srey is built primarily in red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the
elaborate decorative wall carvings which are still observable in fine details
today. Measured by the standards of Angkorian construction. The
buildings themselves are miniature in scale. These factors have led to
its being widely praised as a “precious
gem”, or the “jewel of Khmer art” and
perhaps the temple’s modern name, Banteay Srey or Citadel of Women, is probably related to the intricacy of the bas
relief carvings of devatas found on the walls and the tiny dimensions of the
buildings themselves.
Prohm temple
Ta Prohm temple Constructed: Mid 12th - Early 13th century C.E. It's a Bayon style temple, is believed to be built in the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries. It was founded by King Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university. Ta Prohm has been left in much the same condition which it was found where the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor’s most popular temples with visitors. Rajavihara (Royal temple), as it was originally known one of the first temples founded pursuant to a massive program of construction and public works after the King’s ascension to the throne in 1811 A.D. The temple’s main image, represent to Prajnaparamita, the personification of wisdom, was modeled on the king’s mother. The northern and southern satellite temples in the third enclosure were dedicated to the king’s guru and his elder brother respectively. Ta Prohm formed a complementary pair with the temple monastery of Preah Khan (dedicated in 1191 A.D) the main image of which represented Avelokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion and was modeled on the king’s father. The site was home to more than 12,500 people (including 18 high priests and 615 dancers), with an additional 80,000 people in the surrounding villages working to provide services and supplies.
Neak Pean Temple
It’s a small island
temple located in the middle of the baray to be constructed by a Khmer king in
the Angkor area (Constructed: Late
12th century C.E.). The central
temple sits at the axis of a cross or lotus pattern of eight pools. Neak Pean
took its modern appellation which means “coiled
serpents” from the encoiled nagas that
encircled the temple. The temple is faced by a statue of the horse, Balaha,
saving drowning sailors. originally dedicated to Buddha, Neak Pean contains
several Hindu images. Neak Pean may have served an absolution function and the waters were thought to have healing
properties. During the dry season when the water is low check out the animal and human headwater
spouts at the outside center of each pool. Neak Pean is most photogenic in the
wet season when the pools are full.Please enjoy this video: Top 5 temples in Siem Reap
