Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat - the worlds most religious monument. The scale of Angkor Wat enabled the Khmer to give full expression to religious symbolism. It is, above all the microcosm of the Hindu universe. 

The moat represents the mythical oceans surrounding the earth and the concession of concentric galleries represent the mountain ranges that surround Mount Meru, the home of the God's.

The towers represent the mountain's peaks and the ascent to the central shrine is symbolic of climbing a mountain. 

How beautiful is this photo with it reflecting in the water??? We got up at 4:15 to be there in time for sunrise!

The walls of Angkor Wat are lined with engraving these pictures tell mythical stories of battles and Hindu Gods. You could spend an entire day just reading about the inscriptions on the walls!

The staircase to the shrine at the top of Angkor Wat.

The island on which Angkor is built is 82 hectares, the temple itself stands in the middle of a terrace measuring nearly 9 hectares! It is truly spectacular, amazing, and it provokes such a feeling of spirituality. 

The 5 peaks up closer...The peaks are high up! You wouldn't believe it! These towers represent the universe. The temple was dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu. Vishnu is the protector, the God who preserves universal order and fights to restore harmony. He is represented by a four armed man. Each hand holds a different ornament, symbolic of something. 1) a conch shell - to sound the victory over chaos; 2) a discus - the invincible weapon given to him by Indra ; 3)a mace - a symbol of power in Cambodia and 4) a small ball - representing earth. 

Looking out from the other side of Angkor Wat. 

Angkor Wat faces west rather than east. There is no explanation for this other than the fact that Vishnu is sometimes associated with the letter W and this temple is in his honour.

Walking away on the other side of the temple. It is still in such immaculate condition and it was built in the early 12th century. Apparently some of the Buddha's in the chamber of a thousand Buddha's were destroyed during the Khmer Rouge terror.

4 of the 5 peaks are visible from here...facing directly opposite to where the photo was taken with the reflection in the water. 

Looking up at the peaks. Angkor Wat - the city (that became a pagoda). Angkor Wat means City Temple.

Kyle and I at sunrise.

Standing at the water with the reflection...how special? This place is incredible - a real highlight...