Angkor Wat Temple

Angkor Wat is located about 7 kilometers north of Seim Reap provincial town along Komai or Carles De Caul Road. The temple was build in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II (AD 1113-1150) is unrivaled in its beauty and state of preservation.

It's an expression of Khmer art at its highest point of development. Some believed Angkor Wat was designed by Divakarapandita, the chief adviser and minister of the king, dedicating to Vishnu Brahmanism.

The Khmers attribute the building of Angkor Wat to the divine architect Visvakarman. There has been considerable debate amongst scholar as to whether Angkor Wat was built as a temple or a tomb.

Angkor Wat, according to Coedes, is a replica of the universe in stone and represents an earthly model of the cosmic would. The central tower rise from the center of the monument symbolizing the mythical Mount Meru, situated at the center of the universe. Its five towers correspond to the peaks of Meru; the outer wall to the mountains at the edge of the world; and the surrounding moat to the oceans the oceans beyond.

Originally, the temple was called Prasat Paramavishnuloka.  However, the evolution of the name Angkor Wat  can be drawn by history. The first proof existed in the 16th century, when the temple became a well-known Buddhist place. According to a 16th century inscription, its name was Preah Mohnanokor Indrabrat Preah Visnuloka. In a 17th century inscription, it was called Indrabratnokr Sreisodhara Visnuloka.

Angkor Wat is a simple name to refer to this holy place. Khmer people, especially those living in and around Seim Reap, often refer to Angkor Toch. However, European authors decided on a common name, Angkor Wat. Nevertheless, its original name has not been forgotten and is known by many people.