Angkor | An Architectural Treasure
Angkor is an extensive Cambodian site, and King Suryavarman II organized its construction. This site prompts a discussion on whether Angkor Wat can be considered a Buddhist site, as there are images of Hindu deities on the interior. This essay, after explaining what Angkor is, will argue that this Cambodian icon is an integral Buddhist site because of its secluded location, the idyllic sensation it has that is present across all Buddhist sites, and how practicing Buddhists can still enjoy an introspective experience at Angkor.
Angkor Archaeological Park, located in the Cambodian province of Siem Reap, is a UNESCO site that includes both the Temple of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. The territory, which houses temples and hydraulic systems, spans for over 400 kilometers. The territory has an extensive amount of healing herbs. Angkor Wat is the biggest shrine on Earth, and the name means “City Temple” in Khmer. The shrine exemplifies the elements of Khmer art from the ninth through 14th centuries. India inspired Khmer art, but Khmer art also adopted its own distinct elements. The Khmer are a group living in Cambodia, and some also live in Thailand and Vietnam. They follow Theravada Buddhism and are pastoral people: They fish, weave, and make pottery.
The function of the site Angkor Wat is to commemorate the Hindu deity Vishnu. The temple honors Vishnu, the “preserver.” Vishnu is part of the Hindu deity trio with Shiva and Brahma. It’s crucial to note that it wasn’t a pilgrimage site at first. Angkor Wat wasn’t a temple where pilgrims can gather for religious observance. Instead, the temple provides a haven for deities and shelters them from danger.
When I looked at Angkor Wat photographs, I additionally realized the importance of structure, as the brick and stone represent certain sacred Hindu places. To illustrate, Angkor Wat has five stone towers, and they are reminiscent of Mount Meru’s five peaks. In Hinduism, Mount Meru is believed to be the central meeting place for all deities. Kung Suryavarman II cleverly imitates Mount Meru’s purpose and attempts to give the same level of power to Angkor Wat. This mirrors the importance of physical location for Buddhist places of worship too, as the stupa represents Buddha’s body: The top is Buddha’s head, and the bottom is his crossed legs.
Angkor Wat further acts as a divine space, contributing to the argument that it has the same ethereal feel as other holy sights such as Borobudur. For instance, Mount Meru is said to be an axis mundus, eliminating the separation between paradise and Earth. Angkor Wat has a towering, external wall in the shape of a square, suggesting that this wall acts as the first barrier of defense. The land outside of the wall presents itself as a rural piece of Cambodia. But to venture past the wall is to step into a surreal place reserved for Hindu deities. This experience is the same with a mountain like Meru, as the land surrounding it may seem ordinary. To climb the mountain or stand at its base provides a more distinctive encounter, as one is closer to the divine. Even Bayon, a Mahayana Buddhist temple, is rich with symbolic meaning: The gates face the east, and this is the direction linked to the sunrise. Bayon radiates optimism, as the promise of a new day means more chances for improvement.
While it appears that Angkor Wat first catered to the royal family, the temple can be interpreted as a site that is now modified to meet contemporary Buddhis needs. As an illustration, there is an image of King Suryavarman II in court inside the temple. Since the temple also includes reliefs depicting the Hindu religion, it can be inferred that Shiva resonated with the king’s family and they wanted to ensure that they can achieve reincarnation. The king’s level of hope is similar to King Jayavarman, as he incorporated images of the royal family on Bayon. This suggests he wanted his loved ones to reach enlightenment. Angkor Wat sounds like an exclusive site that wasn’t catered to Buddhist pilgrims, but the site has been democratized since its inception. To begin, the topography of the site reflects the significance of location for Buddhism. Borobudur is a Mahayana Buddhist temple that sits in an elevated position, revealing how sacred it is and how its height means it’s closer to the higher power. The importance of Angkor’s location cannot be underestimated, as a bird’s- eye view of the temple showcases how water surrounds the temple from all sides. The water beckons Buddhist followers, inviting them to visit the temple and to wash away their past worries, sins, and doubts. Visiting a sacred site like Angkor is the opportunity to begin a new segment of one’s religious journey. The water surrounding Angkor is a testament to how viewing a religious site cleanses a Buddhist’s soul. Therefore, it can be argued that Angkor is a Buddhist site because it retains a sense of wonder that is present in such places: Borobudur turns into a secluded oasis of spirituality because of its raised position, and Angkor also turns into a utopian landscape because of the surrounding water.
Angkor can be interpreted as a Buddhist site due to the consistent influx of visitors, demonstrating that people still find religious solace at this location. Angkor Wat, while not an operational shrine, receives an annual 500,000 visitors. Visitors, including Buddhist pilgrims, can still practice contemplative meditation at this site and assess how this journey advances their relationship with their religion. These contemporary times also introduce the idea of combining a religious trip with trips to surrounding cities.
In summary, Angkor is a crucial part of Cambodia’s religious history and exemplifies Khmer architecture. Angkor Wat, in particular, has vivid, Hindu imagery, but can also be approached as a successful, modern Buddhist temple. The Elysian landscape and its warm invitation to visitors assert how Buddhist sites cater to the sight of sight and hearing, as the serene area around this massive shrine restores the spirit.
