Angkor Wat's Architecture

by Chong Su Lyn


It was not even the break of dawn and all 18 students from Monash who came to Siem Reap were geared up and ready to roar their way to Angkor Wat. It is said that the most magnificent view of Angkor Wat is during the sunrise. The particular image of the bright orange sun rising behind the Angkor Wat towers and painting the skies with a tinge of blue-ish purple splendor is worth the early wake up call.

Angkor Wat or loosely translated as the 'The Pagoda of the City' has a very deep history that spans throughout the early 12th century. The temple was constructed during the reign of King Suryavarman II in order to pay respect to the Hindu Gods. In the brief 37 years during the King's reign, he made a relic that is recognized as one of the world's most famous architectural amazement until today. In the 21st century, Angkor Wat is known as the largest temple in the world. It is a masterpiece of ancient Khmer culture and is influenced by Indian architecture which can never be replicated. This precious gem is a treasure truly to behold.

Angkor Wat in all its majesty.

Angkor Wat is a gigantic three-tiered pyramid. It is creatively crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Surrounding the Wat itself is a moat which is 4 miles in length and 600 feet in width while the exterior wall measures 1300 meters x 1500 meters. The magnificent architecture itself is 1 km square and consists of three levels surmounted by a central tower. It is said that the Angkor Wat actually symbolizes the Mountain Meru – the home of Gods where the central quincunx of five towers is supposedly to represent the five peaks of the mountain. While the outer wall and the moat subsequently represents the end of the world as well as the ocean that surrounds it.

What makes this temple stand apart from the other temples throughout the world is the architectural significance in which the temple is constructed facing the West instead of the East. It is a unique blend of the temple mountain – the standard design for the Angkor empire's state temples, and influences from Orissa and the Chola of Tamil Nadu, India. Further evidence to this specialty is the display of bas-reliefs that lines the north, south, east and west walls – which proceed in a counter-clockwise direction. Also known as the prasavya in Hindu terminology as this is the reverse of the normal order.

The main building materials used to construct Angkor Wat are sandstones rather than brick or laterite. Most of the visible areas are made of sandstone blocks while laterite was still used to build the outer walls and also the hidden structural parts. We were informed and also observed that this is because the sandstone blocks less porous than laterite blocks and much more able to withstand the ravages of time.

Angkor Wat consists of half galleries that broaden passageways, while there are axial galleries that connect each enclosure to another. There is also a terrace present along the main axis where carvings of dertas and apsaras are clearly featured. There are also narrative scenes on the 'pendiments' such as the mythological Battle of Kuru on the west wall - the historical march of the army of Suryavarman II, scenes from Heaven and Hell on the south wall and last but not least, the classic 'Churning of the Ocean Milk' on the east wall. The temple interior is not densely carved but still sports hundreds of fine carvings of Apsaras and scenes from Hindu mythology. The center tower, on the third level on the other hand, houses four Buddha images. Each of these Buddha images faces different cardinal points highlighting intensely that Angkor Wat was constructed as a Hindu temple.

You can find these Apsara carvings round every corner.

In the first enclosure of Angkor Wat, a series of four rooms arranged in cruciform formation is apparent. These rooms feature sunken floors and continuous galleries. While the inner enclosure rests on an 11 meter tall two-tiered pyramid. It features a really steep staircase leading up to the enclosure. It also houses a continuous galleries in upper encases which is also aligned in a four room cruciform formation. The five tiers that is clearly apparent from outside juts out from these upper tiers. These cruciform houses used to house lots of shrines.

It might not have made it into the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World, but it certainly has made a great impression and impact on culture in and around Asia. I feel that it is a major attraction in Siem Reap, as well as a big money maker for the government of Cambodia, clearly has not lessen any of its' religious significance. People from around the world still do come over in search of peace and tranquility said to be found in Angkor Wat. But for the 18 students of Monash University, Malaysia, we came in search of Siem Reap and what we got in return was a great and wonderful experience never to be forgotten in the magical land of Angkor Wat.

(Ed.: The New Seven Wonders of the World was declared on the 7th of July, 2007 in Lisbon after a 'global' election took place online. Angkor Wat didn't make it but it was a finalist.)