22 NOV, 2023
Sweta Gupta
Angkor Wat in Cambodia has been crowned the eighth Wonder of the World, surpassing Italy's Pompeii. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Initially a Hindu temple constructed by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century, Angkor Wat later became a Buddhist temple. Its intricate wall carvings depict stories from Hindu and Buddhist myths.
Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument, gets its name from Cambodian language Khmer, where "Angkor" means "city" and "Wat" means "temple grounds," or "City of Temples."
Photo: Getty Images
Angkor Wat has intricate carvings portraying Hindu stories and Khmer daily life. It is encircled by a 15-foot high wall and a broad moat.
Photo: Getty Image
Constructed from sandstone, the temple symbolizes Mount Meru, a sacred motif in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, featuring five towers.
Photo: Getty Image
Angkor Wat features 3000 celestial nymphs, called apsaras, on its walls, each displaying 37 unique hairstyles, offering a visual delight for admirers.
Photo: Getty Images