(best seen in original size)


Visiting Monks in the inner chamber of Angkor Wat temple.

Angkor Wat is a spectacular temple in central Cambodia, built
by the vanished Khmer empire. It was constructed during the
reign of King Suryavarman II, who ruled from 1113 to at
least 1145. In those days, it was customary for the Khmer
Empire to maintain a state temple at the heart of the city.
However, when Suryavarman assumed power, the existing
Baphuon state temple was dedicated to Shiva.
Suryavarman worshiped Vishnu, and wished to honor
him with a new temple south of the existing capital.
This new state temple came to be called Angkor Wat,
meaning "The city that is a temple."