Angkor Wat

Geographical information: Angkor Wat is located in Cambodia. It is situated in the northwest region of Cambodia. The temple complex is positioned on a rectangular land area that covers approximately 402 acres.

Alan Lundsten & Joey Foncham

Angkor Wat

Culture: Angkor Wat was constructed by King Suryavarman II. It was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. The temple later transitioned to a Buddhist temple and continues to function as a place of worship for Buddhists. Angkor Wat is not only a symbol of Cambodian national pride but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural and historical significance.

Cultural or religious reason angkor wat was built: All of the original religious motifs derived from Hinduism, and the temple was dedicated to the god Vishnu. Angkor Wat was originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. The temple's design and iconography reflects vishnu as the preserver and protector of the universe.

How does it work?

Angkor Wat is laid out in a rectangular shape, with a series of concentric galleries and a central tower. This layout is designed to represent the universe in miniature. The central power represents Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology The surrounding towers symbolize the surrounding mountain ranges Moat and outer wall represents the ocean encircling the cosmos. The complex is aligned with cardinal directions, and its design incorporates astronomical alignments, such as the equinox sunrise. This precision in alignment reflects advanced knowledge of geometry and astronomy.The temple is aligned with astronomical events. For example, during the equinox, the sun rises directly over the central tower. This alignment was used to mark significant solar events and likely played a role in religious and ceremonial timing.

Contribution to Astronomy: Angkor wat is renowned not only for its architectural grandeur but also for its significant contributions to the understanding of astronomy. It is meticulously aligned with the cardinal directions. The central axis of the temple complex aligns with the cardinal points—north, south, east, and west. This precision indicates an advanced understanding of geographical orientation and celestial directions.Angkor wat’s central tower represents Mount Meru, while the surrounding towers and moat symbolize the surrounding mountain ranges and oceans.