The Temples At Angkor Wat

DR. Sushma Kasbekar

Cambodia or Kampuchea as it was known was established by the early 9 th century. It was founded by Jayavarman II in 802 CE. Till the end of the 11th century it was reigned by Hindu culture but replaced by Buddhism until the 14 th century.

Cambodia is bordered by Thailand to its west, Laos to its north and Vietnam to the east. To reach the temples at Angkor Wat it is best to fly from India: It takes about 7 hrs. 45 minutes by air. It can also be reached easily by flights or road from Bangkok.

The temples are a treat to visit. For the next three days we experienced the glory of Indian wisdom in its scriptures in stone. Black stone, high walls and towering gopurams or temple towers highlighted beautiful carvings in the temples. They are imposing and awe-inspiring.

The temples of Angkor Wat which are the most famous temples in Cambodia are a huge cluster of temples which are at a distance of 7 kms.from Siam Reap. it takes at least three or four days to see these temples. They can be reached by taxi, bus, bicycle or tuk tuk (local rickshaw)

In modern times these temples have become famous because of the Lara Croft epic “The Tomb Raiders” a movie that was shot here. It’s also called the “Tree Temple” at times since trees literally grow out of the walls. Excellent restoration work is being done here by the Government of India under the Archeological Survey of India which is trying to preserve this rich heritage. The trees growing out of the temples have gnarled roots and branches which have entwined themselves around the stone work. It creates a mesmerising pattern of rock and greenery which changes the ambience completely.

Notable amongst the ruins is the fresco of the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata carved in stone. This is known as “Param Vishnu Lok” created by Khmer King Suryavarman II in the 12th Century. The epic poems in stone bring out the pathos, humane destruction and enmity as well as love depicted in the poems.

Added to this is the famous scene of “Amrut Manthan” or the war for the nectar of immortality. The story goes that a long time ago, when the Universe was recreated by Lord Shiva, both the Gods and the Demons were fighting for “amrita” or the nectar of immortality.There was no peace on earth or in Heaven since the asuras or demons had taken over the world. This famous story is etched in stone here and needs to be seen for its grandeur and craftsmanship.

As we walked around Siam Reap we were struck by its beauty and the simple life of the people there. We treated ourselves to the famous fish there called Amok or steamed fish which is the local delicacy. Prepared with galangal or ginger and coconut cream the fish is steamed and served piping hot with white rice. Fish Amok is a classic Khmer dish. It is served in banana leaf with a little coconut cream cooked in a pot and steamed with juliennes of red bell pepper and kefir lime leaf ribbons.