Following the Way

Located in Northwestern Cambodia, Angkor, the Capital of the Ancient

Khmer Empire was possibly founded around the Ninth Century AD by

King Jayavarman II. However, the city reached its peak glory in the

12th Century under Kings Suryavarman II and Jayavarman VII. The most

beautiful and most famous monument in the city, Angkor Wat, lies

about one kilometer south of the Royal town of Angkor Thom which was

founded by Jayavarman VII.

 

The Temple of Angkor Wat was dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu by

King Suryavarman II, who reigned between AD 1131 and 1150. The

Temple was constructed over a period of 30 years, and illustrates

some of the most beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu art. Covering

an area of about 81 hectares, the complex consists of five towers,

which are presently shown on the Cambodian national flag. These

towers are believed to represent the five peaks of Mount Meru, the

Home of Gods and Center of the Hindu Universe. Angkor Wat features

the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the

outer gallery walls, narrating stories from Hindu Mythology.

 

With the decline of the Ancient Khmer Empire, Angkor Wat was turned

into a Buddhist Temple and was continuously maintained, which helped

its preservation. In 1992, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee

declared the monument, and the whole city of Angkor, a World

Heritage Site.

Very good image!!!!

I think we're looking at an exposure problem. A little more detail in the heads and bodies of these gentlemen would have been a little more appropriate.

It's difficult Jennifer when the sun is in front of them and I didn't have time to use a flash. As it is, I'm lucky to have reflected light from the ground to give some highlight to their backs.

Alec thanks for the background information. It's amazing that despite the carnage and destruction of the Khmer Rouge that this place stayed intact. Then again, I think I am partly conflating their brutality with the Taliban and their destruction of the Bamiyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan.

 

Have you seen Steve McCurry's book on Angkor? Worth taking a look. Thanks for sharing your collection.

Thank you Peter for your positive point of view for this image. It means a lot to me.

Yes Amar, I've seen Steve McCurry's book on Angkor, Thailand, Myanmar and of course his famous NatGeo portrait of an Afghan Girl. Amazing work. Thanks for visiting.

The road to enlightment