Angkor Wat, Cambodia

I am finally getting to blog about my last R&R- my b-day excursion to Cambodia. I have put it off because I kept wanting to find the "perfect" time to adequately focus on blogging my sentiments about the experience- it was awe-inspiring, historical, and a peak into a world I really know next to nothing about (Buddhism, Hinduism, the Cambodian genocide). My goal this week is to get caught up on all things photo-journal and try to share without "perfection". So- without further ado- Day #2 of Cambodia- or what is called the first loop of shrines. It began with Angkor Wat at sunrise and then a loop of about 6 others.

This is a map of Angkor Archaeological Park. One purchases a ticket for $20 that lasts 3 days. It is advisable to start with Angkor Wat and then proceed to the blue square outlining Angkor Thom. Then on the other day do the rest of the red loop.

"The largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat literally means the City which is a Temple. Built during the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, this spectacular complex was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The layout is based on a mandala (sacred design of the Hindu cosmos). A 5-towered temple shaped like a lotus bud, representing Mount Meru, the mythical abode of the gods and the center of the universe, stands in the middle of the complex. The intricate carvings on the walls marking the temple's perimeter ar outstanding and include a 1,970 ft long panel of bas-reliefs and carvings of asparas (celestial dancing girls). The outermost walls and the moat surrounding the entire complex symbolize the edge of the world and the cosmic ocean respectively. Angkor Wat, unusual among Khmer temples, faces the setting sun, a symbol of death. 

Man-made moat!

The causeway- wide pathway leading over moat. Used to be lined by two balustrades carved in the form of serpents

example of one of 1,000s of carved asparas

first wall, after causeway

Couldn't stop snapping photos of the intricate layers to the carvings on the sandstone! 12th century people!

Getting closer, first body of water within the compound

view of 3 of the 5 towers

part of the bas reliefs- showing epic battles

one of the "libraries" which were where they stored food and water

even the rubble is great! 

the heads of the buddhas were stolen:(

Central Sanctuary: towering over the complex, the central sanctuary is a steep climb. Its four entrances feature images of the Buddha, reflecting the Buddhist influence that eventually displaced Hinduism in Cambodia. It was still closed that morning:) 

Lava rock wedged between

can't get enough of the layers!! 

all of the above photos, and then the wall the bits were on

each barrister (?) individually carved from sandstone

One of the four pools within the top tier (everything is symmetrical- 4 pools, 4 libraries), the water would be

used for meditation and blessings. The temples would bless the waters and people would flock to temples to collect holy water

Steps down to one of the pools

Just one of the doors- do you see a theme ? there's nothing simple here. . . 

My amazing tour guide- wound up hiring him for 3 days :) Super sweet, and the ass that I am I have already forgotten his name. 

Back outside of Angkor Wat, a large Buddha - common site all over

 Next we crossed the bridge to Angkor Thom, a 3km2 walled and moated royal city constructed in last 12th c. There are 5 entrances to the city, 1 for each cardinal point, and the victory gate leading to the Royal Palace area. Each gate is crowned with 4 giant faces, standing for the 4 virtues: compassion, pity, sympathy, impartiality. 

Does it get any cooler?

See the four faces?

Can't remember which temple this was...

Climbing up to top