What is Angkor Wat?

About Angkor Wat:

• It is the largest religious monument in the world.
• It covers an area of 200 acres.
• It was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman IIin the first half of the 12th century, around the year 1110-1150, making Angkor Wat almost 900 years old.
• It was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnubefore becoming a Buddhist templeby the end of the 12th century.
• In 1992, the temple complex was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Features:
  • The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture.
  • Sandstone blocks were used to build the structure. 
  • The precision in carving and the fitting together of stones without the use of mortar is a testament to the engineering skills of the Khymer builders, and the technique used is yet to be ascertained correctly, though a section claims it to be wooden paste or a lime plaster mix.
  • It is protected by a 15-foot-high wall and a wide moat.
  • The temple can be accessed only via small bridges spanning across the moat from the eastern and western sides.
  • The temple has five major towers symbolising the peaks of Mount Meru, believed to be the abode of the gods in Hindu and Buddhist mythology.
  • Thousands of bas-reliefs depicting important deities and figures in Hindu and Buddhist religions, as well as key events in their narrative traditions, adorn the temple walls.
• Where is Angkor Wat?
  • It is located in the northwestern province of Siem Reap in Cambodia.
  • The city of Angkor, home to Angkor Wat, was the capital of the Khmer Empire and thrived between the 9th and 15th centuries.
  • Angkor itself stretched over 400 sq.km. and is now home to the magnificent remains of a variety of temples, including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm.

Q1. What is the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)?

It is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It was founded with the mission of contributing to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science and culture.UNESCO cultural conventions and projects provide platforms for international cooperation and establish a holistic cultural governance system based on human rights and shared values. UNESCO has 193 member States and 11 associate members.

Source: Tourists trample Angkor Wat mimicking Temple Run game for TikTok hits