Wednesday 6 February 2013

The Temples of Siem Reap




Christina writes: Without a doubt, Angkor Wat is hands down the largest and most impressive temple in Siem Reap. Much anticipated, this temple delivered. Grand and imposing, ancient and intriguing. The temple was built by King Suryavarman II to represent Mt Meru - a holy place in Hindu mythology. It is the most important thing to Cambodia - the only reason tourists travel here and it is the national symbol - even on the country's flag.



However, as much as I loved Angkor Wat - my favourite temple was Bayon.

Bayon, located inside the temple city Angkor Thom, was built by King Jayavarman VII a few decades after Suryavarman II's death when the Cham people took over Angkor Wat. 

Here, 9 is the magic number.


54 gods line each side of the road - 5+4 = 9
54 towers, each with 4 sides, a face on each side - 216 faces 2+1+6 = 9
For me though, the carvings were extrordinary.






Fortune tellers - I wonder what future they predicted?

Farming, Cooking, Eating

Childbirth


Fighting, battles won and lost



Cock Fighting
Eskimo kissing in Bayon

Another temple worth mentioning - Neak Pean. This ancient hospital has four pools representing the four elements - Earth, Fire, Wind and Water. You access it by a long boardwalk over the water - a pretty walk and peaceful place.

Neak Pean, Built for the people.


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great photos, great adventure! Thanks for keeping us updated.

Siem Reap said...

Nice Photos and Great Temples of Siem Reap.Thanks for Sharing.