Why is it in the News?

Angkor Wat, in the heart of Cambodia, has beaten Pompeii in Italy to become the eighth Wonder of the World.

About Angkor Wat Temple:

• Angkor Wat is among the most significant archaeological sites of Southeast Asia, located in the northern province of Siem Reap in Cambodia.
• The temple was constructed by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century.
• It was originally built as a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu by the Khmer Emperor Suryavarman II, it was converted into a Buddhist temple by his successor Jayavarman VII, who also built the famous Buddhist temple of Bayon nearby.
• The transition from Hinduism to Buddhism is evident in the intricate carvings that adorn the temple walls, depicting scenes from Hindu and Buddhist mythology.
• An interesting fact about Angkor is that it is also known as Yasodharapura.
• The name Angkor is derived from nokor, a Khmer word meaning "kingdom," which is derived from Sanskrit nagara, which means "city."
• Angkor Wat is said to represent Mount Meru, the home of the gods, according to both Hindu and Buddhist faiths.
• It is also famous for its statue of eight-armed Vishnu, also revered by the locals as their protecting deity.
• It holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest religious structure in the world, spread across some 400 km sq.
• In 1992 the temple complex was named a UNESCO World Heritage site.