Angkor Wat, Cambodia 22 May 2017
About this photo
Angkor Wat is the highlight of any visit to the Angkor region, this great temple is simply unsurpassed by any other monument. Construction of this masterpiece is thought to have begun during the reign of Surayavarman II (1112–52) and was completed sometime after his death. Angkor Wat was established as a Hindu temple, dedicated to the god Shiva, but it is also thought to have been envisaged as a mausoleum for Surayavarman II. Its orientation is different to most of the temples at Angkor as the main entrance is from the west rather than the east: this is thought to be related to the association of the setting sun and death. The bas-reliefs – one of the most important elements of the temple – are intended to be viewed from left to right, conforming to Hindu practice. Tour the temple as part of Insight Guides' Unseen Cambodia trip.
This article was originally published on 17th September, 2015
