Saturday May 18 2013
Ta Prohm
Angkor Wat
Called the ultimate expression of Khmer genius. It is a symbolic representation if Mt Meru (Hindu Paradise-home of the gods). It is the worlds largest religious building. It has never been abandoned like the other sites and in nearly continuous use since it was built. It was built around the same time as the European gothic period, Westminster Abbey and Chartres. The main temple is dedicated to Vishnu.
The size and scale of the site are extremely impressive.
We went for the sunrise but the muggy air meant we didn't see one.
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| Angkor Wat from the back |
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| Angkor Wat view from the front |
This section is "nicknamed the Tomb Raider temple...nature has run riot, leaving iconic tree roots strangling the surviving stones" (this post is almost entirely borrowed from South East Asia on a Shoe String Lonely Planet).
12th cent Mahayana Buddhist Temple "reminds us equally of the awesome fecundity and power of the jungle" and for me likewise of God. It spoke so clearly of the fickle nature of even great human accomplishments!
Built by Jayavarman VII from 1186 apparently looks much like all of the temples would have when European explores first came upon them.
It was used as the location in the movie Tomb Raider.
This was my all time favourite site to explorer! It was just so cool! I would go just to see it!
Bayon
"The surreal state temple of legendary King Jayvarman VII, where 216 faces bare down in pilgrims, asserting religious and regal authority." The faces apparently hold a string resemblance to the egocentric king.
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