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ANGKOR WAT

Angkor Wat, the jewel in the crown of the Angkor complex, was built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state
temple and capital city. The largest and best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained since its
foundation a significant religious centre — first Hindu, dedicated to Vishnu, then Buddhist. The temple is the epitome
of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia,
appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors. Angkor Wat combines two basic plans
of Khmer temple architecture: the temple mountain and the later galleried temples. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of
the gods in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 km (2.2 miles) long are three rectangular galleries, each
raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat
is oriented to the west; scholars are divided as to the significance of this. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony
of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs and for the numerous devatas adorning its walls.
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