Do fascinating facts about different places attract your mind? Then, you should not miss knowing the top 10 facts about Angkor Wat. I hope these enchanting facts will blow your mind and make you curious to explore this wonderful place.
Being started the journey in the early 12th century in Cambodia Angkor Wat became the biggest religious monument not only in Cambodia but also in the entire world. Sokimex, a private company, rented the Angkor Wat Temple from 1920 to 2018. However, the Cambodian government regained full ownership of the temple in 2019.
It is time to get familiar with the top 10 wonderful facts about Angkor Wat.
Angkor Wat: List of Top 10 Fascinating Facts
1. Angkor Wat: The Biggest Religious Monument in the Globe:
You already know the fact that Angkor Wat comes as the biggest religious monument on the globe. However, did you know the remnants sprawl across a region of more than 400 square kilometers? That is why you should be astonished to know that you require a couple of days to complete the journey of the whole complex.
The actual Wall at the culturally-rich Angkor Wat could cover the temple, royal palace, and city, as it spreads across an area of more than 200 acres. Nonetheless, the wall became non-existent over the course of time.
2. The Term ‘Angkor Wat’ means ‘City of Temples’:
You might have wondered the meaning of ‘Angkor Wat.’ The term literally means ‘City of Temples’. Do you know Angkor used to be the capital of the 15th-century Khmer Empire? What is the source of the name ‘Angkor Wat?’ The term is an amalgamation of ‘nagara’ (a Sanskrit word), which means ‘Capital City’, and ‘Wat’ (a Khmer word), which means temples.
3. Angkor Wat attracts 50% or more Foreign Travelers to Cambodia:
An enchanting amalgamation of rich history and enormous size has made Angkor Wat an international hotspot for tourists. This sensation draws the attention of 50% of or more foreign travelers in Cambodia. Did you know around 2 million travelers explore Angkor Wat per year? It clearly implies the popularity and reputation of Angkor Wat among travelers of the world.
4. The National Monument of Angkor Wat is placed on the National Flag of Cambodia:
Angkor Wat is one of the biggest reasons why Cambodia became a world-renowned sensation. That is why Angkor Wat is considered the pride of Cambodia. The citizens of Cambodia are extremely proud of the age-old Angkor Wat monument, so it has been placed on the Cambodia flag back in 1850.
Do you know which other country in the world is to have a national monument present on its national flag? The answer is Afghanistan. Moreover, Angkor Wat is also present in Cambodia’s national currency.
5. Angkor Wat was actually a Hindu Temple:
One of the worth-noting facts about Angkor Wat is that the place was originally devoted to Lord Vishnu. Angkor Wat used to be a religious sharing temple. Angkor Wat started its journey as a Hindu Temple with Lord Vishnu (The Protector) being the deity.
However, the end of the 12th Century witnessed the arrival of a large number of Buddhist individuals in Angkor Wat. And that is how the place got converted into a Buddhist Temple. Next, Angkor City was relocated to Phnom Penh permanently after 1432. That marks the complete transformation of Angkor Wat into a Buddhist Temple.
6. Angkor Wat comes with a Specific Dress Code:
Are you planning to explore Angkor Wat on your next vacation? Then, you need to be familiar with the dress code of this place. Otherwise, you won’t be able to pay a visit to the temple complex. As a visitor to Angkor Wat, you would have to cover your knees by opting for long pants and cover your shoulders by wearing shirts. Note that tank tops, shorts, and skirts are prohibited within the temple premises.
7. A Vegetable Compound was used instead of Mortar as a Brick Bonding Agent:
One of the most surprising facts about Angkor Wat is that the bricks here were bonded with a vegetable compound. Do not forget to get a close look at the gaps of bricks to witness the zero signs of cement or mortar. Nonetheless, the vegetable compound, used as a bonding agent, was so durable that the remnants still stand strong to date.
8. The Angkor Wat Complex is home to many things along with the Temple:
You would get to explore lots of things on your trip to Angkor Wat. Not only would the ancient temple blow your mind but Ta Prohm, Bayon, Angkor Thom, and many other places would captivate you. In short, Angkor Wat is an interesting place with lots of tourist attractions to make you visit this place repeatedly.
9. More than 5 Million Tons of Sandstones were used to construct Angkor Wat:
Can you believe more than 5 million tons of sandstones were carried throughout the 25 Miles of distance to construct Angkor Wat? Yes, it is true! Moreover, over 5 million bricks were relocated to the Angkor Wat temple from an adjacent mountain with the help of 1000 elephants as well as over 300,000 laborers.
10. The Power of Hindu Cosmology was leveraged to design the Whole Complex:
The key temple in Angkor Wat displays the pattern of Mount Meru. A total of six towers are there in the Angkor Temple, and the tallest tower comes with a height of 65 meters. The tallest tower is home to an array of enclosed walls, which have recreated the design of Mount Meru. Did you know Mount Meru is an integral part of Hindu Mythology, which is believed to be the abode of Hindu Gods?
Wrapping Up
Did you know it took more than 30 years to construct Angkor Wat? Moreover, the design of the Angkor Wat Temple was extensively based on an astronomical study. Hence, exploring Angkor Wat is a unique experience in itself. I hope you got more interested and enthusiastic now after knowing about the top 10 interesting facts about Angkor Wat. Hence, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Angkor Wat today and take your experience to the next level.
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