Angkor Wat in Cambodia - the national heritage of Khmer. Ancient Temples Cambodia: Description, History and Interesting Facts

Why did the largest temple in the world left people? What is the connection of the Angkor Wat complex with the spiral of the dragon constellation? Why on the bas-relief Angkor Vata portrayed a dinosaur? The article reflects the point of view of official history and chronology.

Angkor Wat Temple Complex (Angkor Wat) is the largest temple of Hindus not only in Cambodia, but also in the world, the largest religious construction of mankind, created according to the traditional version of the Khmer King of Suryavarman II about a thousand years ago. (1113-1150 N.E.)

The construction of the Angkor Wat Temple lasted 30 years, he became the largest temple in the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire - Angkor. Angkor Vata Square - 2.5 sq. Km. (This is almost 3 times more than the Vatican Square), and the size of the entire ancient Khmer capital Angkor with a population of more than 1 million inhabitants exceeded 200 sq. Km. For comparison, for example, the second largest city of the same ancient era was the city of Tikal - the largest city of Mayan civilization, located on the territory of modern Guatemala. Its size was about 100 sq. Km, that is, 10 times less, and the population is only from 100 to 200 thousand people.

Tourist scheme for the location of the main temples of Angkor

Angkor Wat The largest temple of the ancient capital, but not the only one. The city of Angkor - being the capital of the Khmer Empire with IX to the XIV century included many of the Hindu and Buddhist temples, many of which are well preserved enough to the present day. Each of them is beautiful in its own way and characterizes different periods of the heyday of the power of the Khmer Empire. Later, historians will call this period of Khmer history - Angkorian.

Main entrance to Angkor Wat from the west

The construction of Angcore continued about 400 years. He began the founder of the Angkor Dynasty, the Hindu Prince Jiyavman II in 802. An "universal ruler" and "King-Sun" in Cambodia. The last temple complexes were erected in the XII century by the King of Jaiivaman VII. After his death in 1218, construction stopped. The reason for the one version, it was the fact that in the Khmer Empire, the sandstone stone deposits were simply ended, on the other - the empire was in the conditions of brutal war and it was impossible to continue construction. The Angcorian period of Khmer history ended in 1431, when Thai invaders finally captured and plundered the capital of Khmer and forced the population to leave to the District of the Poin Stump, which became a new Khmer capital. However, the evidence of the true causes of the fall of the Khmer Empire of historians is looking for today.

Water ditch width 190 meters around Angkor Wat

An Angkor highlights the largest temple complexes - Angkor Wat, Angkor Tom (including several temples at once, the largest of which is the Bayon Temple), the Ta-Prom, Bantea-Sircuas and Prea-Kan. The most noteworthy temple was and remains Angkor Wat, which is still the largest religious construction in the world. Its height is 65 meters. The temple is surrounded by a giant moat of a width of 190 meters, 1300 meters away by 1500 meters. Built during the reign of Suryavarman II (1113-1150) for 30 years, Angkor Wat has become the largest sacral building in the world. After the death of King Suryavarman II, the temple took him to his walls and became the tomb-mausoleum.

Angkor Wat - Opening History of the Lost City Angkor

Ancor-Wat received broad fame in the modern world after the publication of the Blogs and Reports of the French Traveler and Naturalist Henri Muo on its expeditions by Indochier. In his diary you can meet such lines:

"The monuments of construction art seen by me are enormous in their size and, in my opinion, are a sample of the highest level compared to any monuments that have survived from ancient times. I never felt so happy as now, in this magnificent tropical atmosphere. Even if I knew that I would have to die, I would never exchange this life on the pleasure and convenience of the civilized world. "

View of Angkor Wat from the North-West side (reflection in water)

Henri Moo (Fr. Henri Mouhot) was born in 1826 in France, and from 18 years ago, French and Greek taught in the Russian Military Academy in St. Petersburg. After returning to his homeland, he married the daughter of the famous English researcher and moved to Scotland. And in 1857, Henri Moo decided to go on a journey through Southeast Asia (Indochka) to collect zoological samples. During his stay in Asia, he traveled Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. Perhaps he anticipated something, a few months after the last visit to Angkor Wata, in 1861 he died from malaria, in his fourth expedition on Laos. It was buried in the same place near the capital Luang Prabang (Luangphabang), the location of his tombs is known now. Henri Muo's diaries are stored in London, in the archive of the Royal Geographical Society, London (Royal Geographical Society, London).

The grave of the French researcher Henri Moo (1826-1861gg) in Laos

The greatness of the Angkor Wat who seen the temple of Angkor Wat shocked Henri Mo, in his records he wrote about Ankor-Cat the following:

"The temple is incomprehensible for the mind and surpasses any imagination. You look in embarrassment and confusion, admire and, embraced by reverence, are frozen in a reverent silence ... What an elevated was to be a genius of this Michelangelo East, the genius of the creator of such wondrous creation! He managed to tie into one different parts with such an art that it remains only to be surprised. He followed the execution of his dreams and achieved, and in general and in particular, such a completeness of details worthy of whole, which are only gifted. "

Majestic Central Tower of Angkor Wat

Etymology title of the temple Angkor Wat

"Angkor Wat" is not the initial name of the temple, since neither steles of the founding of the temple, nor any inscriptions regarding the name of that time were not found. As an ancient city, the temple was called then, it is unknown and, quite likely, he was called "Vishuli's doctors" (literally "the place of Holy Vishnu"), in honor of God who was dedicated.

View of Angkor Wat from the northeast side of the building

Most likely, the name "Angkor" comes from the Sanskrit word "Nagar", meaning "city". In Khmerski, it is read as "Noko" ("Kingdom, Country, City"), but in the surprise, Khmers are much more convenient to pronounce "Ongko". The latter is very consonant with close peasants the concept of crop, and maybe literally, translated as "collected rice grains".

Young descendants of the Almighty King of the semi-brass Suryabaman II

Over the course of centuries, a reduced common "ONGKO", acquired the meaning of the name of his own, which was entrenched in the title of the ancient metropolitan region Angkor (or Hongkor), the former capital of the Angkor Empire, Angkor Tom, as well as the temple Angkor Wat.

All in this world is subject to nature - even the walls of the Great Angkor

The word "wat" comes from the Pali Expression "Watthu-Aram" ("The place where the temple was built), which denoted the sacred land of the monastic monasticist, but in many countries of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia) it has long been more widely , belonging to any Buddhist Monastery, Temple or Pagoda. By Khmerski "Warm" can mean both "temple", and "reverence, admiration". Indeed, Angkor Wat is the largest temple of the city of the gods of Angcourt, is a symbol of the national pride of Khmer.

Sculptures of seven-head snakes on the way to the temple

By Khmer, the name of the Angkor Wat temple is pronounced Ongkovoat. In the overwhelming majority of sources, it is interpreted as a "City-Church". Since the name "Angkor" from the XV-XVI centuries was used in the value of the name of its own, one can assume a more accurate translation - the "Angkor temple".

In the backyard Angkor Wata

Why did the largest temple in the world left people?

The reason why Khmers about 500 years ago left the biggest temple in the world of Angkor Wat and left the Angcard to master the new capital of their kingdom - a podna-stump, so far are the subject of discussions of historians and archaeologists. More than 100 years, hundreds of archaeology specialists from all over the world are trying to raise the veil of secrets over the ancient Khmer capital - the city of the gods of Angkor. The fact is that the past left us a negligible number of written evidence related to the history of the construction of temples in Angkore. The painstaking long-term work of researchers little by little turns into us the secrets of the Sacred Temple Angkor Wat, making all new adjustments to various historical theories associated with its origin and purpose.

Rare Shot of the Temple Wall when there are no tourists and a contrasting sky

Khmer temples have never been intended for assembly believers, they were built as the habitat of the gods. Access to the central buildings of the complexes was opened only for priests and monarchs. The largest temple of the city of the gods, Angkor Wat also had an additional feature: he was originally planned as a place for the burial of the kings.

Top view on Angkor Wat (height 200 meters)

It is noteworthy that the successors of Jaiivman II followed its construction principles. Each new ruler completed the city in such a way that his kernel constantly moved: the center of the Old Town found himself on the outskirts of the new. So gradually gigantized this city. In the center, a five-fiblassical temple, symbolizing the mountain, the center of the world, was erected every time. As a result, Angkor turned into a whole city of temples. The magnificence of the Khmer empire was somewhat dulling during severe and prolonged wars with tias and tias. In 1431, Thai (Siamese) troops completely captured Angkor: the city was detected, as if the ruthless epidemic rolled him. Over time, the wet climate and violent vegetation turned the capital in the ruins and the jungle completely absorbed it.

The whole territory of Angkor was absorbed by the jungle, only the territory around the temples was cleared

Several times (external and internal wars) in the history of Cambodia (Campucia) did not allow foreigners to visit the brilliant masterpiece of Asian architecture. For a long time, the temples of the Angkor were difficult to access the wide range of researchers, archaeologists and historians. The situation has changed in December 1992, when the temples of the Angkor and including Angkor Wat, who deservedly replenished the list of one of the largest temples in the world, were included in the list of world cultural heritage monuments of UNESCO, and in Tokyo, international coordination was created in Tokyo The Committee, who set asient to revive the former magnificence of Angkor. Sources of project financing were found and active restoration work began. The huge trees are spill, which destroy the walls, restore entrances, overlaps, walls, tracks. Active participation in the restoration of the history of Angkor is accepted by scientists from different countries. Everyone is enough for many decades.

Internal transitions in different temples of the Angkor are very similar

The mysterious communication of Angcore with the spiral of the constellation of the dragon

In 1996, the British archaeologist and historian John Grigsby, exploring Angkor, came to the conclusion that the Angkor Temple Complex is an earthly projection of a certain section of the Milky Way, and the main buildings of Angkor simulate the wavy spiral of the Northern Constellation of the Dragon. Start research in the direction of searching for the correlations of the sky and the Earth in relation to the Angkor, he was pushed by the mysterious inscription of the time of Jayavarman VII, the Khmer King during the time of which Angkor Tom and Bayon was built in the XII century. On the stele, joined in the territory of the temple, Bayon was drawn - "Cammub's country is similar to the sky."

Constellation of the Dragon and the Small Males in our time

For a certain relationship with the stars, the inscription made by the builders of a large pyramidal church of the Poin Buckeng, built during the king of Yasovarman I (889-900 yd.), also pointed out the inscription. The inscription states that the appointment of the temple is to symbolize "its stones of the heavenly movements of the stars." The question arose, did it exist in Cambodia like Egyptian (the connection of the Pyramids of Giza with the Constellation of Orion) the correlation of the sky and the Earth?

Accurate scheme for the location of the main temples of the Angkor

The fact is that the projection of the dragon constellation the main temples of the Angkor on Earth was not quite accurate. The distances between the temples are proportional to distances between the stars, but the relative position of the temples, i.e. the corners between the segments connecting the temples, does not repeat exactly the picture in the sky. In addition, it should be noted that Angkor is not a projection of the dragon constellation onto the earth's surface, but the projection of the whole area of \u200b\u200bthe sky around the dragon, which includes several stars from the northern crown, a small and large Messenitsa, the denbid. All sacred places on Earth reproduce one or another section of the sky along the Milky Way.

Dragon constellation 10500 years BC

In the same 1996, another British researcher amateur - John Grigssby connects to research and historical work. By setting the goal to establish an accurate date when the sky picture corresponded to this location of the temples in an Angkore, they with the help of computer technologies conducted greater research work. The results of their research stirred the world archaeological community. Computer study showed that the main temples of the Angkor are indeed the earth reflections of the stars of the dragon constellation and that it was in such a position of the star on the day of the spring equinox in 10500 BC. e.

Comparison of the location of the temples of Angkor and stars of the dragon constellation

Now few people have doubts that Angkor really was built between the IX and XIII centuries. N.E., however, where Cambodian kings could know the picture of the sky more than 10,000 years ago, because the precession has already hidden the projected painting by their time. The hypothesis was put forward that all the main temples of the Angkor were built on more ancient facilities, as evidenced by huge plates of facing of artificial channels, made of megalites, the presence of polygonal masonry, the high mastery of stone processing, stone locks, but it is not known when those were built. However, if they already projected the constellation of the dragon ...

Covered by small thread kilometers, huge stones of masonry of temples are perfectly adjusted to each other, are not fastened and held on only on their own weight. There are such temples, where intermediates are impossible to push the blade, moreover, they are irregular shape and curved, as if puzzles, where none of the modern technologies can recreate the existence of these temples.

Magnificent bas-reliefs on the external walls of Angkor Wata Apsar - Heavenly Dancers

Stegosaur in Angkor Wat. Could Khmer dinosaurs see?

The hypothesis of the creation of Angcore in the XI century BC It does not contradict the fact that temples, which we see them today, were erected between the IX and XII centuries. e. Famous Khmer monarchs, but not everything is so unequivocal. For example, in the temple of Ta-Prom fully intricate the carved statues and stone columns with the bas-reliefs carved on them. Along with the images of the gods and goddesses of mythological plots of ancient Hinduism, hundreds of bas-reliefs depict real animals (elephants, snakes, fish, monkeys). Almost every inch gray sandstone is covered with decorative carvings. What was the amazement of scientists who were found in the ta-prom on one of the colon Stegnosaurus - herbivore dinosaur, which existed 155-145 million years ago.

The fact that this bas-relief is not fake proved researchers. It remains only to guess where Khmers saw the Stegnosaurus? How to explain it?

Bas-relief with the image of Stegosauro on one of the columns Angkor-Wata

Sacred Numerology of Angkor - coincidence or prophecy?

What is the mysterious date - the day of the spring equinox 10500 to our era? It was on this day that the stars of the Constellation of the Dragon were in the projection that the Angkor temple complex reproduces on Earth, if you look at it from above. This date is associated with the process of precession of celestial bodies. The land is similar to a giant wolf, under the influence of the gravity of the sun and the moon, performs slow circular rotation. The moon and the sun seek their attraction to turn the Earth's axis, as a result there is a phenomenon of precession.

The projection of the earth's axis, as it were, outlines the giant circle in the north of the celestial sphere, covering the constellation of the dragon and the small marsh. On the edge of the circle there are Vega, Alpha Dragon and the Polar Star. This is the movement of the earth's axis on a circular line, a peculiar sharing of the axis of rotation, and is called precession.

Sketchy image of the precession of the earth axis

Astrologers believe that the precession cycle is 25920 years, the so-called great year (the period during which the Pole of the Heavenly Equator describes the full circle about the ecliptic pole). During this time, the earth's axis passes the full circle on the zodiac. In this case, one astrological era is 1/12 cycles (25920: 12 \u003d 2160) and is 2160 years. One month of the Great Year, a duration of 2160 Earth years and there is an astrological era. Each Space Age (2160 Earth) represents a whole stage in the development of mankind associated with the sign of the zodiac through which the earth's axis is. This period, some kind of mystically known to the famous Greek philosopher Plato, who believed that it was (25920) - the existence of an earthly civilization. Therefore, the precession period is also called the Great Platonic Year (the Great Year of Plato). One day of the Great Year is theoretically equal to 72 years old (25920: 360 \u003d 72 years - the earth's axis passes 1 ecliptic).

The movement along the star spiral of time - everything returns to the circles ...

Nowadays, the North Pole of the world is, as you know, the Polar Star, but it was not always, and in the III thousand BC. The North Pole of the world was where the star α (alpha) is a dragon. The precession of the earth's axis, as is known, causes a visible change in the position of stars with a period of 25,920 years, that is, 1 degree is 72 years. At 10 500 BC In the lowest point of the trajectory there was a constellation of Orion, and in the highest - the constellation of the dragon. There is a kind of "Orion Dragon Pendulum." Since then, the precessional process managed to turn the heavenly pole on half of the circle relative to the parole of ecliptic, and today the dragon is close to the lowest point, and Orion is the highest. Professor of the history of the Massachusetts Technological University of George de Santillian with his colleague, Dr. Herthova, von Dehhend, on the basis of his research, concluded that the entire Angkor is a huge model of precession. The following facts say in her favor:

On Angkor-Wath depicted, like 108 NPS pull in two sides (54 per 54) huge top;

On both sides of 5 bridges leading to the gateway to the Angkor Tom temple, there are huge sculptures with parallel rows - 54 Deva and 54 Ashura. 108x5 \u003d 540 statues x 48 \u003d 25920;

The Bayon Temple is surrounded by 54 massive stone towers, each of which, four gigantic local locals, focused on the north, south, east and the West, were carved, which in general is 216 persons - (216: 3 \u003d 72), (216: 2 \u003d 108 ). 216 - 10 times less than the duration of one precession era (2160 years); 108 - this is 216 divided into two;

The central sanctuary of Poin-Bakhang is surrounded by 108 turrets. The number 108, one of the most sacred in Hindu and Buddhist cosmologies, is equal to the amount of 72 and 36 (i.e. 72 plus half of 72);

The correct pentagon has an angle of 108 degrees, and its amount of 5 angles will be 540 degrees;

The distance between the pyramids of Giza in Egypt, where the sages were ruled out, which marched the astronomical "dear mountain", and the sacred temples of Angkor in Cambodia, is with a small rounding an important geodesic value - 72 degrees of longitude. From the ancient Egyptian language "Ankh-choir" alignively translates as "God lives";

In Angkore, 72 main stone and brick temples and monuments.

The length of segments of the main roads in Angkor-Wat reflects the duration of the four south (the great world eras of the Hindu philosophy and cosmology) - Crete-Yugi, Tret-Yugi, Dvarapa-Yugi and Kali-Yugi. Their duration is respectively - 1,728,000, 1,296,000, 864,000 and 432,000 years. And in Angkor-cotton the length of the main roads of the road is 1728, 1296, 864 and 432 hut.

They look at us from the walls of the temples through the millennium and ... smile)))

Space meaning of the number 72 and its power over humanity

Let us dwell on the sacral number - 72 more, because, too many coincidences associated with it in our life:

The number 72 is considered a sacred number in all religions.

In the Khmer alphabet 72 letters and as many sounds.

In the ancient Indian language "Sanskrit" (language of classical Indian literature, sacred texts, mantras and rituals of Hinduism, Jainism, as well as partially Buddhism) is used by the Alphabet of Devanagari. Devanagari means "writing of the gods" or "urban language" and in Devanagari classic Sanskrit 36 \u200b\u200bletters-background (72: 2 \u003d 36). In Devanagari, 72 main ligatures are used (combinations of consonant letters depicted by an independent symbol).

The most ancient runic system, the so-called "Senior Futark" consists of 24 runes, each rune can designate the letter, syllable, word or image. Moreover, the image has a priority value. But in one man can be hidden up to three images depending on the context (24x3 \u003d 72). At the same time, all these images will be somehow connected. Ancient Runic alphabet has become root to almost all now existing Indo-European alphabets. Those 24 runes who know today is the third part of the present language, because, if you multiply 24 to three, then it will be just 72 runes. Since the ancients taught that the world is three-stage. One of them is the earthly world of GetiG, the second is the intermediate world of ritag, and the third is the highest world of the mehog. Here are three forms of runes.

In an ancient Avestian language (the language of the Avesta, the Holy Book of Zoroastrianism) there were 72 letters to designate all possible options for pronunciation of sounds;

The most significant book of the Avesta is clear, which is the text readable on the main Zoroastrian liturgy "clear", contains 72 chapters;

The number 72, both in Sanskrit, and in the initial Avesta found its manifestation in the 72nts of the sacred belt of Kushti, which has every Zoroastrian, as a symbolic accession to religion, or rather, as the umbilical attachment, connecting the person with the Lord God.

In Judaism, the number 72 is considered sacred and inextricably linked with the name of God, the forbidden name, which is subject to the Universe. It is 72 sequences of the letters of the Jewish alphabet, each of which corresponds to a certain sound, which have an amazing force to overcome the laws of nature in all forms, including human nature. According to legend, the name of God concludes all things in itself, then the one who will be able to pronounce it correctly, will be able to ask the creator everything wishes.

The unprofitable name of God is the main subject of the study of medieval Kabbalists. It was believed that this name contains all the forces of nature, the essence of the universe itself is enclosed. The name of God is also depicted by a tetragrammaton - a triangle with the letters inscribed in it. If you add numerical values \u200b\u200bof letters placed in tetragrammaton, it turns out to be 72.

In the attachment of the tabernacle (temple), the ancient Jews mention 72 almond buds, which they decorated the candlestick used in the holy ritual, it is a combination of 12 and 6 (that is, half 12) and personifies the implemented harmony. The mystical root of the number 72 is also the legendary nine.

The number 72 is the number of God's Mother. She left this world aged 72 years. Not in vain Vysotsky sings in one of his songs: "Girl, 72th, do not leave the altar!";

A human DNA molecule is a rotating cube. When you turn the cube sequentially at 72 degrees on a specific model, it turns out a ikosahedron, which, in turn, is a pair of dodecahedra. Thus, the double thread of the DNA spiral is built on the principle of bilateral conformity: a dodecahedron follows the Ikoshedrome, then again Ikosahedron, and so on. This sequential rotation through a cube by 72 degrees creates a DNA molecule.

The intersection points of the diagonals in the Pentagon are always points "Golden Section

Three Time Device Temple Angkor Wat

The Angkor Wat Temple Complex has three levels. It consists of a number of concentric, rectangular fenced spaces, including three rectangular galleries, each towering over the next courtyards associated between sneak-shaped galleries. In essence, Angkor Wat is a huge three-stage pyramid.

One of the types of temple Angkor Wat

Climbing the stairs and passing through the two first of three consistently rising galleries, you get to the third gallery, known for your bas-reliefs, most of which are great in their performance.

One of the bas-reliefs on the wall of Angkor Wata - the scene from the life of the Khmer King

Not counting the bas-reliefs in the corner pavilions, they extend almost 700 meters, being almost 2 meters in height, being the longest bas-reliefs in the world. Thousands of figures depict the scene from the Hindu epos of Bhagavad Purana, Palace and Military Life in the days of Suryabaman II - the founder of the Angkor Wat Temple.

Ancient Warriors on Bar Reliefs Angkor Wat

Since around the perimeter, the main entrance to Angkor Wat surrounds the ditch with water width of 190 meters, forming the island of square shape, then the territory of the temple can only be accessed on stone bridges from the western and eastern side of the temple. The main entrance to Angkor Wat from the West is a wide sidewalk built from massive sandstone blocks. Crossing a cruciform terrace, which is a later addition to the complex, we see in front of the entrance to the Western gopure with the remains of three towers.

Directly the main entrance to Angkor Wat

Now the entrance to the gopour is carried out on the right, through the sanctuary under the southern tower, where the octal statue of Vishnu fills the entire space. This statue, which is clearly not enough space in this room, was originally in the central sanctuary of Angkor Wat.

Big statue of the decaderal god Vishnu - Temple Angkor Wat

Having passed through the gopour, it opens a magnificent view of the main tower of the temple at the end of the road. In the sunrise, they are surrounded by a shining silhouette of the morning sky, and at sunset is flaming orange. Continuing his way inside Angkor Wat, we observe on both sides from the main road - two large, so-called "libraries" with four entrances for each side of the world. They were a kind of sanctuations, and not warehouses of manuscripts, as can be submitted from the name.

Fascinating Sunrise Pattern over Angkor Wat

Closer to the temple, on both sides of the road there are two more reservoirs, dug later, in the 16th century. Inside the temple you will meet 1800 Apsear (heavenly dancers).

Along with tourists, Buddhist monks frequent guests in Angkor Wat

Rising to the second level of the temple you can see the exciting spectacle - the peaks of central towers, rising due to the courtyard. From the entrance to all the central towers, as well as the two internal libraries of the second level, you can go through pedestrian bridges on short round columns.

View from the second floor of the temple

Gradually climbing the stone steps to the highest, the third level of the Angkor Wat temple is the heart of the complex, there are huge conical towers, located in the center and corners of the square, symbolizing the five celestial peaks of the sacred mountain measure - the center of the universe.

One of the four large angking towers Angkor Wat

The highest level of Angkor Wat and its galleries only emphasize the perfect proportions of the famous tembol towers and make a general view unforgettable. The central tower or the altar, was the inadequate of God Vishnu, and since Angkor Wat was originally the Vishnuit temple, and only later turned into a Buddhist, the statue of Vishnu was once standing in it, it was possible that now it is at the entrance in Western gopour. Khmer has existed an ancient custom, to make it up with God in the form of gold sheets or small gems, which were left in the deepening below the statue of God. Unfortunately, over the past centuries, these offerings were looted.

One of the statues of the Buddha inside the temple

Today, only some of the statues of God Vishnu or Buddha is presented in the southern part of galleries. Big underlying Buddha is still subject to worship of local and Asian visitors.

"Buddha sleeps" - this statue of the Buddha, the place of special reverence for Buddhists in Angkor-Wath

The entire temple capital Angkor and the largest temple Angkor Wat in particular - the soul and heart of the Khmer people, the people of free campaign, the symbol of the prosperity of Khmer civilization, which has enormous influence on the culture of all States of Southeast Asia. An image of an Angkor Wat temple decorates the State Flag of Cambodia (Campucci) and is its symbol.

State Flag of the Kingdom of Cambodia (Campucia, Cambodia)

Angcard's era lasted seven centuries. Many believe that the founders of the city of the gods of Angcourt were descendants of the previous civilization and this is a direct heritage of the Great and Mysterious Atlantis. The battle of historians still do not cease the dates for the construction of temples in Angkore and Angkor Wata. More and more facts pointing out that people in these places settled long before the heyday of Khmer culture, but in dates many sources contradict each other, and quite essentially.

The Great History of Angkor continues to save our souls ...

However, all the figures quite accurately reflect the peak of the heyday and the greatness of the Khmer Angcorian era into which the highest cultural achievements were achieved. The history of this period, which did not leave us paper manuscripts, is restored by the inscriptions for fell on Pali, Sanskrit and Khmer language found on monuments and sculptures of Angkor-Wat and other Temples of Angkor. Active archaeological and historical studies in Angkor continue to this day, continuing to surprise the world with new discoveries of secrets and mysteries of the Great Temple Angkor Wat.

Documentary "Angkor Wat - House Decent Gods"

"Angkor Wat is a house of decent gods" - this is a popular, documentary film from National Geographic from the "Super Software of Antiquity", dedicated to the world famous temple Angkor Wat (Angkor-Wat) in Cambodia (Campucci). The authors of the film made an attempt to show all the grandeur of the city of the Bologov Angkor and reveal the secret of the construction of the largest church in the world of Angkor Wat. Abandoned by people with unexplained circumstances more than 500 years ago, the Cambodian city of Angkor is impressive with its scale - this is a giant stone map of the universe and one of the most remarkable creations of mankind.

A detailed historical excursion that will tell about Angkor Wat is the legendary temple complex in Cambodia. Get ready, it will be interesting!

Religious construction Angkor Wat is the world's largest Hindu temple. It is considered one of the most magnificent "pearls" of Angkor - the ancient capital of the powerful Khmer Empire. Being on vacation in Cambodia, an independent traveler should certainly visit this mysterious and excellent place.

Angkor Wat: History

More than ten centuries ago on the territory of Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand existed Khmer Empire (Cambucaudsha). Her founder was Tsar Jaiivman II (802-850), which united these land through bloody wars.

The empire reaches his heyday after a little later, during the reign of Suryavarman II (1113-1150). The king worshiped the Hindu god Vishnu, in honor and was erected by Angkor Wat. The construction of a religious structure lasted for more than 30 years. Not only local craftsmen worked on its creation. On the orders of the ruler of the masters were looking for all Asia.

Sandstone was used as the main material, which was brought from a quarry located 40 km away. From the construction site. Stones were polished and laid on each other. When laying no solution was applied.

In those distant times, the rulers were considered messengers of the gods. After the death of Suryavarman II, the temple became his tomb. Since then, the history of the Angkor and its main religious monument is inextricably linked.

The construction of the temple complex undermined the country's economy. In addition, the capital was overpopulated, at that time more than 1 million people lived in it. The water has not been catastrophically lacked, and fertile lands were exhausted. During the reign of Jayavarman VII (1181-1218), several uprisings occurred, as a result of which Angkor was partially destroyed.

Later, the capital was repeatedly exposed to the invasion of the Siamese troops. After the last invasion in 1431, Angkor finally fell into decay. People left the city forever. Only monks remained in the temples. The capital of the Empire was transferred to the penetration. The territory of Angcard was absorbed by the tropical forests, and the structures were home for thousands of animals. But the city did not disappear forever.

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At the beginning of the XVII century, Portuguese and Spanish travelers came across the mysterious stone structures in the jungle. But for some reason, Europeans did not attach the values \u200b\u200bof an unusual find and they soon forgot. His second birth (end of the XIX century) Ancor Angkor is obliged to French traveler Henri Moo. He described in detail and with admiration in his manuscripts an ancient city. Crowds of researchers, scientists, historians, pilgrims and merchants rushed to Angkor.

Photo 45 years after discovery: 1906

Unfortunately, there was no trace from the former magnificence of the capital. Sandstone from which the buildings were built, over time collapsed under the influence of wind, sun and water. Most wooden buildings were burned by vandals during periods of hostilities. Through the walls of the buildings in many places sprouted the roots and branches of trees.

Thanks to the efforts of thousands of people, by the middle of the XX century, many city buildings, including Angkor Wat, were restored. After the end of the Civil War, the restoration of the temple complex was carried out mainly by Indian specialists. Since 1992, the unique creation of Khmer masters is protected by UNESCO.

Photo 45 years after discovery: 1906

Angkor Wat device and architecture

There is a temple in the heart of the ancient city. Angkor Wat has a length from north to south - 1.3 km, and from west to east - 1.5 km. Religious construction of a rectangular form. It consists of three levels (tiers), which increase in height to the center. In appearance, something resembles a pyramid. Levels personify three elements: air, earth and water. The territory of the complex is surrounded by a lush greenery and reliably protected from all sides with a moat with water. The width of the RVA is more than 100 m. A stone bridge is laid through it connecting the rectangular "island" with land. Next, the road leads to the main entrance. The central gates and the facial side of the facility are oriented to the West. To the eastern side, Angkor Wat also has a road, but it is less noticeable, and you can find it using the services of the conductor.

The whole territory of the temple has to be wounded, transport is prohibited here.

Angkor Wat is located in such a way that only three towers out of five are always visible when looking at it on any side. This proves the skill of architects of that time. Towers and tiers are interconnected by stairs, crossing among themselves gallery, indoor transitions. Thus, the inner space is divided into numerous, square-shaped, inner courtyards.

Walls galleries and corridors, columns and stairs are covered with bas-reliefs, carvings and painting. Ceiling overlaps are decorated with lotus images and intricate patterns. On the territory of the complex there are many statues of colorful animals, mythical heroes and real historical characters.

The first tier is the largest, consists of several galleries and transitions. Walls are decorated with numerous images. Here are 8 panels, the total length of which is more than 800 m. Basic "plots" - the battles of the gods, the period of the rule of the Great Suryavarman II and numerous battles for the power of the empire. Several panels are devoted to scenes from the Epos "Mahabharat" and "Ramayana". The outer wall is made in the form of a double row of columns.

At the end of each gallery there are angular pavilions. Two pavilions are connected to the main galleries. Two more ends with shallow niches in the wall. Sometime, these recesses were also decorated with bas-reliefs, but over time they erased and barely noticeable.

The main entrance towers are connected to the second tier testers using transitions. There are four courtyards between them, which in the rainy season is filled with water and serve as pools. The inner walls of galleries are made in the form of columns, through which the courtyards are visible. On the opposite walls, between the windows with figurine painted columns, the figures of thousands of celestial dancers (Apsar) are cut out. Long corridors have set many statues.

At the intersection of galleries (from north to south), angular columns are installed with inscriptions in an unknown language. On both sides, the libraries are located on the second tier, each of which has four inputs.

Angkor Wat has been listed in miracles of light

Angkor Wat does not have equal in beauty and degree of safety. His greatness and magnificence exceeds the greatness of the Pharaohs, the impression produced by them is stronger than the impression of the pyramids, and the artistic expressiveness will compare except with the Taj Mahal. Angkor Wat is located 6 km (4 miles) north of Siemreapa, south of Angkor Thoma. The entrance to Angkor Wat and the exit from it is carried out only through the Western Gate.

"You can find a lot of photos and video files about Angkor Wath, but probably the best of all virtual is a panorama Angkor Wata, made by Airpano.ru"

Angkor Wat. It was built in the first half of the 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II in honor of the Hindu Hisnu. The construction of the temple lasted about 30 years.

History Angkor Wata

Angkor Wat is the largest and well-preserved object of the Angkor Group. The perfection of its structure, balance, proportions, relief and sculptures make it one of the greatest architectural monuments in the world.

"WAT" Translated from Khmer, means "temple". Probably this word was added to the word "Angkor"When in the 16th century, followers of Tharavada took him. After 1432, when the city of the kingdom became the city of Phnom Penh, Buddhist monks began to answer the Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat was built for the burial in him King Suryabaman II. Permanent parallel between the setting sun and death, the temple is facing west. Also in favor of this theory they say bas-reliefs located from left to right in accordance with the Hindu Buried Ritual.

Angora Wat Architectural Plan

When you go on Angkor-Wat, to determine his architectural plan is very hard because of the huge size of the temple complex. Such complexity and beauty attracts, and distract attention. From afar Angkor Vat seems to be a colossal stone arrayTo which a long paved road leads.

The height of Angkor Vata from the ground to the top of the central tower more than it may seem: 65 meters. The temple consists of three triangular or square levels (1-3). Each subsequent smaller and higher than the previous one.

The first and second level are fought with indoor galleries with columns. The third level is supported by five towers - four in the corners and one in the middle. These towers are the most expressive architectural element of Angkor Wat. Sometimes such a form of arrangement is called Quinkans. Towering one over other levels give the towers with a conical form.

Symbolism

Angkor Wat is a miniature stone copy of the universe And represents the earthly model of the space device. The central tower towers in the center of the temple, symbolizing the mythical mountain of the measure, located in the center of the universe. Five towers corresponding to the peaks of the mountain measure. The outer wall symbolizes the mountains on the edge of the world, and the ditch surrounding the temple complex - the oceans.

Angor Wat location

Although Ankghor-Wat is the most photographed Khmer architectural monument, Photos can not pass all his greatness. This was written about it 100 years ago, Frank Vincent: "The view of this miracle produces an indelible impression: beauty, romance, greatness - all this needs to be understood and appreciated. It is impossible to look at this temple without a thrill, without feeling, as if you were soaked in heaven. This, Probably the most impressive structure in the world. "

Angkor Wat occupies the territory of a rectangular form of 208 hectares (500 acres). The territory of the temple complex is fenced with a latite wall. The complex is surrounded by a moat, which can be crossed along a long paved road from sandstone (length - 250 m (820 feet), width - 12 m (39 feet)). The road serves as the main passage in the complex. The width of the RVA is 200 m (656 feet), the RVA perimeter is 5.5 km (3.4 miles).

Western entrance begins with a staircase leading to a sandstone terrace in the shape of a cross at the base of a long crucible road. On both sides of the terrace are sitting, guarding the temple, huge stone lions. You can see the end of the crucible road and the gate with three tower tower of different heights. These towers at the entrance partially close views of five towers in the central area of \u200b\u200bthe temple. A long passage with square columns and a curved roof extends along the River from left to right from the towers located at the entrance. This is a magnificent Angkor Wat facade and a sample of classical Khmer architecture.

Almost 70 years ago, visiting Angkor Wat terrace, Helen Churchill Kandy wrote: " Any architect would be delighted with the harmoniousness of the facade - a continuous series of columns leading from distant corners to the central entrance, where there are three towers with destroyed tops.". Initially, the facade was another series of columns from the roof. This is evidenced by round holes in columns.

"Before going through a paved road, turn right, go down to a pair of steps of the terrace and go through a couple of meters along the track. So you can enjoy the view of all five Angkor Wat steens. Return to the center of the terrace and go through the main paved road towards The main part of the temple. The left side of the crucible road is made of more ancient sandstone than the right side, which was renovated by the French. "

In the 20s of the 20th century, when Czezy walked along this crucible road, he noticed one feature of its structure. The plates from which it consisted was the wrong shape, which meant that they had to be processed by a bit to approach each other. Upon half acend, the road seems a long strip of moire. On the left side of the road, slightly reaching her middle, there are two feet of sandstone. They belong to one of the statues, which is located at the entrance to Angkor Tha, and were brought to Angkor Wat in this century when the paved road was repaired.

The tops of the three sections of this tower are one in the center and two sides - collapsed. Approaches on both ends of the gallery may have served as a passage for elephants, horses and wagons, as they are placed at the lowest level.

When in 1920 Helen Churchill Kandy saw these aisles, she noted that the idea of \u200b\u200bcreating a structure providing for the passages for elephants was very unusual. The statue of Cherrus standing (with eight hands) is to the right of the tower at the entrance. On the left, the traces of the original color are visible on the tower ceiling. Continue to go west along the second track (length 350 m (1148 feet), width 9 m (30 feet)).

On both sides there is a low balustrade, resembling the body of the snake. Balustrade support small columns. If you look at the west, you can see the famous Angkor Vata panorama depicted on Cambodian flag. Standing at this point, I want to take a picture of five wonderful domes - the friends of the sky, the sisters of the clouds? And to understand whether you are in the real world or in a fantasy fantasy. Six pairs of solemn stairs with platforms on both sides of the road lead to the courtyard.

The staircase framed the continued balustrade in the form of a snake. Such a structure is sometimes called the landing platform. At the end of the balustrada, the snake at a right angle rushes towards the sky and gracefully spreads his nine goals in the form of a fan. In the courtyard, right behind the middle of the crucible road, are two buildings in which the library is located. These "precious caskets of Khmer art" have an ideal form.

The large central region, columns and steps are located in the shape of a cross. For strength, some columns were replaced with cement. The initial column is located in front of the Library's left building. Before the buildings of the library are two reservoirs (length - 65 m (213 feet), width - 50 m (164 feet)). The water was filled with water, and the second is usually empty.

"After passing the library, but not reaching the reservoirs, turn left and go through about 40 m (131 ft) to a large tree. From this point, there is a great view of five Angkor Wat steens, especially at sunset. The track leads to the cross-shaped terrace, Known as a "terrace of horror". This terrace is located right in front of the main tower at the entrance to Angkor Wat. "

The terrace is characterized by supporting columns and cut-out drawings at its base. From three sides of the terrace there are stairs, on both sides of which lions are sitting. Here were ritual dancing. It is possible that it was from this point that the king watched the processions and accepted foreign guests. In the 20s, Czezy was noted: "It is impossible not to feel that only a few hours ago, life pulsed. Over the altars burned torches. The priests whispering ritual prayers. The dancing girls were fluttered ... It was only an hour or two ago ... ".

The terrace offers a beautiful view of the first-level gallery, which is called the Gallery of Borders (215 x 187m (705x614 feet)). The outer side, which is closer to visitors, is a series of 60 columns. The inner side is a continuous wall decorated with bas-reliefs.

"At this point you can or continue moving straight to the central tower, or turn right to view the gallery of the bas-reliefs. Cross-shaped galleries are a link between the first and second levels. This unique architectural design consists of two covered gallery with square columns in the form of a cross. . The courtyard is divided into four equal parts and decorated with water bodies and stairs. Several decorative elements in these galleries are windows with balustrades, sockets on vaults, border from Apsear under the cornices and ascetics at the base of the columns. "

"Some columns in the galleries of this indian courtyard have an inscription in Khmer language and Sanskrit. On both sides of the courtyard are two libraries, which in size are inferior to libraries near the entrance to the complex. In the right library - 1000 Buddhas gallery - a lot of images relating to By the period of decline of Angkor Vata. Only a few such images came to this day. The left library - the Echo Hall - received such a name due to its unusual acoustics. "

"To hear an echo, you need to go to the end of the gallery, get into the left corner back to the wall, hit yourself on the chest and carefully listen to. If you want to visit the library, go to the door at the end of the gallery. From this library opens a good view of the top Angkor Wat level. "

"Return to the center of cruciform galleries and continue to move towards the central towers. You have to climb the stairs. The external wall of the second level gallery is the fact that closer to visitors (100 x 115 m, 328 x 377 feet) - solid and undersedized. Perhaps this It was done in order to create a suitable environment for meditation of priests and king. "

The rigor of the outer wall of the gallery of the second level is compensated by its inner decoration. Gallery walls are decorated with more than 1,500 apsears (heavenly dancers). These beautiful graceful creations lead visitors to delight.

When for the first time you enter the courtyard, such a lot of dancing female figures may seem monotonous. But if you come closer and look at, it can be seen that they are all different and feature hairstyles, robes and decorations. These essential inhabitants of heaven are depicted in Angkor Wat two or three.

In the 17th century, Cambodian poet Pang wrote about Apseara: " Millions of graceful creatures fill you with such emotions that your eyes do not get tired, the soul is updated, and the heart is saturated! They were not carved by the hands of a person! They were created by the gods - alive, beautiful women!"Only the highest priests and the king are allowed on the third level of Angkor Vata. There are no indoor galleries on the third level, but this level is the basis for five central towers, on one of which is the most sacred image of the temple.

The height of the square base (length - 60 m) of the top level is 13 m and towers over the second level by 40 m. In the center of each side, twelve stairs are located with 40 steps each. In the corners there are two more stairs with an inclination angle of 70 °, providing access to this level.

The third level is a space in the shape of a cross and is characterized by indoor galleries and four powerful courtyards. Tower and columns are located on the top of each staircase. The entrance tower is connected to the central structure using corridors, which are supported by double rows of columns on both sides. In the corners of the top level there are four towers. Steps are simultaneously connected, and divided various parts of the structure. The upper level is sicked by a narrow covered gallery with a double column, and windows and balustrades are located on the outside. The central sanctuary towers above the upper level by 42 m. The height of the largest of five towers is equal to the height of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. In the central sanctuary is stored a sacred image of the temple. Initially there were four passages facing four sides of the world, however, they were closed after a while after the declaration of Anchghor-Wat in the middle of the 15th century. Almost 500 years later, French archaeologists have discovered a vertical recess in the top-level center at a depth of 27 m, in which there were many gold products. From the top point of the temple, you can finally see the entire Angkor Wat architectural plan. The type of stunning beauty, confirming the brilliant ability of Khmer architecture to create harmonious proportions.

"Walk around the entire perimeter of the external top-level gallery to enjoy the view of the area around you, the crucible road in the West and the central group of the towers. Gallery is not so high to provide a full-fledged view of the surrounding area. But still you can see enough to realize what kind of The courage was required by architects to erect this temple complex. You will be visible to the north-western RVA to the next vertex in the form of a lotus owned by the central sanctuary. From this point, Angkor Wat seems so immense that it is difficult to realize what a grand structure has been erected by people. . "

Gallery Basielfov

"They attract attention to their beauty and hold it with their unusualness."," Helen Churchill Kandy wrote in the bas-reliefs in 1920. The bas-relief gallery, the first Angkor Vata level, is 1200 m 2 images cut from sandstone. The bas-reliefs cover most of the inner wall from all four sides galleries. Their height is 2 m.

Details, quality of composition and execution give them the right to treat the greatest samples of world art. Columns located along the outer wall of the gallery, create an interesting game of light and shadow on the relief. As a result, the effect of textural wallpapers, which are similar to the work of artists, rather than sculptors. The bas-reliefs are distinguished by an incredibly rich decoration - creation, which has the power, tranquility, imagination and fantasy power, and the impression of the "highest dignity", as one visitor wrote 50 years ago.

Bas reliefs are divided into 8 parts - two on each wall of the square gallery. Each part reflects a specific topic. Moreover, in the corners of the Eastern Gallery there are two pavilions, which also depict various themes.

Panels with bas-reliefs are arranged horizontally and usually consist of two or three parts. In some places, the edges of the panels are also decorated. The topics for bas-reliefs were taken by their two main sources - the Indian Epos and the Sacred Books and military items of the Angkor period. Some scientists suggest that the location of the bas-relief depended on the topic reflected in it. For example, bas-reliefs on the eastern and western walls depict the topics associated with the sunrise and sunset. The word "ba" means "low" or "small" and means the degree of relief projection. The method of creating reliefs in Angkor Vate was that the masters cut out the background, leaving the image itself in the relief. The surface of some reliefs seems polished.

This can be explained by two theories. The presence and location of polished areas in important parts of the relief gives reason to suggest that this is the work of visitors who constantly touched the surface. On some reliefs also visible traces of gilding and paint, in particular - black and red. This is possible, the remnants of the primer or the fixing agent. The most common objects and phenomena are depicted on some bas-reliefs. The river is depicted in the form of two parallel vertical lines, between which fish swims. As in Egyptian art, the rank of a person is determined by the size of its image: the higher the rank, the greater the size. In the scenes of the battles, the broken handle on the umbrella of the leader means defeat. The temporary remoteness of the scene is determined by the number of planks placed one above the other: the higher such a "wall", the ancient event depicted. Figures with divorced legs and bent knees means staying in flight.

Visit the gallery of bas-reliefs

Those who want to stay in this wonderful gallery of bas-reliefs will definitely discover something new for themselves, because Angkor Wat offers visitors a lot of pleasant surprises.

"Remember that Angkor Wat bas-reliefs should be viewed from left to right. Go from the Western entrance, wrap the right and log in to the gallery, and then keep moving counterclockwise. If you start the inspection from another gallery point, then make sure that the temple remains to stay. On the left side of you. If your time is limited in Anchgigor-Wat, we advise you to see the following bas-reliefs. "

This scene is the main theme described in the Ancient Indian Epos "Mahabharata". The scene shows the last battle in Kuruksetra - one of the Indian provinces - between the cousins \u200b\u200bwho were bent among themselves. The Army of Kauravov and Pandaves are approaching each other, heading towards the center of the panel. The identity of the warriors to one or another clan can be determined by their heads. The scene begins with the fact that the infantry is entering the battle, and the musicians play a rhythmic melody at this time. This bas-relief is depicting a hand-to-hand combat, in which many soldiers died.

Senior officers and generals depicted on a large scale are watching the run of the battle of the chariot or recreation on elephants and horses. The stress of the scene gradually increases and reaches the climax in hand-to-hand combat. Bisma (depicted at the beginning of the panel), one of the heroes of "Mahabharata" and the leader of Kauravov, was struck by the arrow and now dies, surrounded by his faithful warriors. Arjuna (a man with a shield, on which the face of the demon Rahu is depicted) letters an arrow in his one-barrack brother Karnu and kills him. After the death of Krishna (with four hands), it becomes raised on the chariot of Arjuna.

"Currently prepared for publishing photos gallery."

Corner Pavilion (Southwest)

Go to the pavilion and inspect the scenes shown in front of you. Then continue the movement along the pavilion clockwise. The bas-relief in this pavilion depicts scenes from the ancient Indian epic "Ramayana".

East

And - on the left, the holiday of water; Two ships with apsears, chess players (Upper ship)
In - Center, above the door: God takes gifts

South

C - left, top down. Battle between Vali and King Sugriv Monkey; The frame pierces the races of the arrow, the Vali dies on the hands of his wife (three-ring headdress); Monkeys mourn his death
D - center, above the door: murder of a demon; Krishna Gasit Fire
E - Left: Shiva sits with his wife Paravati on Mount Kailas
F - Center, above the door: Krishna pulls trees with stone
G - Right: Ravana in the case of chameleon is at the Indra Palace

North

H - left side: whipping the milk sea
I - the central part, above the door: Rama kills Marica, who in the Golden Deer Oblich helped kidnap the sieve
J - Right side: Krishna raises the Hill Howardhana to the shepherds and sheep can hide under it from the storm sent by the angry Indo.

South (Historical) Gallery - Army King Suryavarman II

This gallery depicts the magnificent triumphal procession of soldiers returning after the battle between Khmers and their enemies. The relief shows the used combat methods, mainly hand-to-hand combat, because in those days people still knew nothing about the technique and firearms.

In the background, the trees and animals are incredibly plausible and naturalistically depicts. As the central figure of this gallery, the emperor Suryabman II is, on the orders of which the Angkor Wat temple complex was built. Suryavman II is depicted in the gallery twice. He signed his posthumous name, which gives reason to assume that the inscription was applied after his death. In the triangular holes randomly cut into the gallery, there could be valuable items stored in Angkor Wath. On the upper tier, the emperor, on the body of which is visible gilding, holds a collection to the tops of the mountain, surrounded by the forest.

The whole army is going together for inspection, and commanders, sacrificing on elephants, combine their troops that begin to march towards the enemy. The rank of the commander can be defined by the inscription near his image. Emperor Suryavman II sits riding on an elephant (headdress of a conical shape, sword over the shoulder). It is surrounded by servants holding 15 umbrellas. Vishnu sits on a garuda that sits on a flagpole near the king elephant. In the busy and noisy procession of sacred fire, signs of signs, musicians and jesters participate. Brahmins sing under the Cymbal accompaniment. In the palanquins carry royal sacrifices.

Closer to the end of the panel: the procession join the troops of Thai warriors (in corrugated floral patterns; hair is braided into braids; hats with feathers; short mustache), headed by a riding commander on an elephant. Probably, Thai troops were mercenaries from the province of Louvo (the current province of Lopburi), who strengthened the Khmer Army. In Khmer soldiers, helmets decorated with horns of various animals (deer, horses). On some shields depicted monsters.

Jama court. Heaven and hell.

Three tiers depict the trial of humanity under humanity, and on other two tiers - heaven and hell. Judging by the inscriptions, 37 heavens were depicted here, where you can wander through the beautiful palaces, and 32 ad with the scenes of punishment and suffering. Heaven and hell are separated from each other by the curtains and apsears. At the bottom of the lower tier is a series of god. The roof of the gallery was destroyed by lightning in 1947, but then the ceiling was restored by the efforts of the French. On the riders depicted at the beginning of the panel, the traces of gilding are visible. The lower part of the panel was seriously damaged, and the cracks were smeared by cement.

Nizhny Tier: Supreme Judge of the pit (Multi-dust, has a staff and riding a buffalo) indicates his assistants to the upper road representing heaven, and the lower road representing hell. Perfume of dead people await his sentence. Assistants pit pushing villains to the door leading to hell, where they carry various punishments. For example, those people who were constantly transferred in half in their way, and the criminals are reheared. On some punched iron shackles, the heads of others are brought nails. Upper tier: Garuda and Apsear support the heavenly palace, soaring in the air.

Eastern Gallery - Bombing of the Milk Sea

This is the most famous Bas-relief Angkor Vata, based on the ancient Indian epic "Bhagavata-Purana". In this scene, angels and demons whipped the dairy sea to get amrita - elixir of life. They want to return the lost treasures - the source of immortality, the goddess of the richness of Lakshmi, the white elephant of Indra and the Nimifrais of beauty. These objects symbolize well-being and prosperity. This event occurs during the second coming of Vishnu, when he returned in the image of the turtle.

The scene takes three tiers. In Nizhny Yarus, various marine animals are presented - both real and mythical. The lower tier turns the snake. On the one hand, the average tier is a row of 92 demons (round screamed eyes, helmets with crests), and on the other hand, a row of 88 gods (almond-shaped eyes, conical shape hats). Demons and gods whipped the sea with the body of the snake Vasuki. Hanuman helps them - the god of monkeys. Vishnu in the guise of the turtle holds on his shell Mount Mandara, around which is whisk. Vishnu is located at the bottom of the sea. Demons hold a snake for his head, and the gods are behind the tail. Rhythmically rotating the long body of the snake, they scold the sea to them.

The gods and demons obey the three gods (their images are larger). Indra stands above Vishnu, and on the right of the ally of the gods Hanuman tickles the snake Vasuki. Upper tier: Different female perfumes appear during the sea whipping. In this scene, Vishnu is shown again, but already in the image of a person. He controls the sea whip, which, according to legend, lasted more than a thousand years.

Other creatures are also depicted here - for example, three-headed Elephant Indra, Apsear and the Goddess of Beauty Lakshmi. On the sea waves, the deadly poison was visible, which was drunk by snakes Vasuki. Fearing that the poison can destroy the gods and demons, Brahma asks Shiva to drink poison, which will leave a narrow mark in his throat. Shiva will obey, and as a result, produces Amrita. Demons rush to intercept the electric. Vishnu hurries to the aid, taking the image of the charming beauty of Maya. Vishnu manages to save the precious liquid.

Inscription

In the middle of the Eastern Gallery there is an interesting inscription, relating to the beginning of the XVIII century - time when Angkor Wat was a Buddhist monastery. In the inscription described about the manager of one of the provinces, which built a small tomb to keep the bones of his wife and children there. The tomb is in poor condition, but it is clearly visible. It is located right in front of the inscription in the gallery.

Victory Vishnu above the demons.

The bas-reliefs in the Eastern Gallery and in the southern part of the Northern Gallery must have been completed later, in the XV or XVI century. This is evidenced by some stiffness, the ceremony in the image of the figures and the low level of skill. The demone army is sent to the center of the panel. The center shows the four-time Vishnu sitting on the garud.

Then follows the battle scene. Vishnu is striking his enemies coming from all sides by throwing their bodies from himself. The leaders of the demons (sitting on animals or traveling in the chariots harvested by monsters) are surrounded by warriors. They join another group of warriors (with onions and arrows) under the leadership of their leaders who go on chariots or sit on huge peacocks.

Victory Krishna over the king of demons Banoa

At the beginning of the Vishnu panel in the image of Krishna, sits on a garud. Agni, the multi-god of fire, sits riding a rhinocero behind Vishnu. This scene is depicted several times. The surrounding city of the wall is frustrated, which prevents Krsna and his army of the gods to penetrate the city. This scene with Krishna also repeats on the panel several times. Garuda carries fire with water from the sacred river Gang. The multiple demon of the ban (riding on rhino) is approaching the army of the gods on the other side. The right area of \u200b\u200bthe panel: Krishna (1000 heads, arms crossed on the chest) is on his knees in front of Shiviva, which sends on the throne on Mount Kailas with his wife Parvati and the son of Ganes (from an elephant's head). They ask Shiva to pardon Banu.

Battle between gods and demons

21 God of the Brahman Pantheon walks in the procession, carrying his classically attributes and recreation on the traditional animals for them. The scenes of the opposition of one god of one demon are depicted. In the background shows the battle between the armies speaking on the side of the gods and on the side of the demons. The god of the richness of the cubeer (with onions and arrows) appears to be riding on Yak, the God of War Skanda (polyphonic and multiple) - on Pavlin, Indra? On an elephant, four-time Vishnu - on a garud. The God of Death and Justice (with a sword and shield) pit is in a chariot, harvested by horses. God of water variation and saddled a five-chain snake.

Corner Pavilion (North-West)

Going to the pavilion, move counterclockwise. Several scenes in this pavilion are preserved in good condition.

North

And on the right: the female part of the palace.
In - Center, above the door: an attempt to abduct the sieve in the forest
C - left, the image is seriously damaged: the scene from "Ramayana"
From above: a tier with monkeys and a funeral fire

West

D - Right: Rama in his chariot, harboring geese, returns to the victory in the city of Iodhya
E-center, above the door: Rama and Lakshman are surrounded by monkeys
F - Left: Conversation between Sita and Hanuman in the forest; Hanuman gives a sieve ring frame.

South

G - Right: Sitting Four Cherry Vishnu is surrounded by apsears
H - Center, above the door: Rama and Lakshman fight with a monster (without a head, face on the stomach)
I - Left: Rama wins in competition among archers; Rama and Sita sit together.

East

J - Right: Four Cherry Riding on a Garuda; Krishna (riding on the garuda) returns back the Mountain Parkvat, which he took away from the Demon killed him; His army carries the remnants of the demon.
K - Center, above the door: Discussion of the Union
Left: Rama and his brother Lakshman
Right: King Monkey Sugre
L - Left: Vishnu is leaning towards the snake below: a group of nine gods riding their animals
(1) Sugress in a chariot, hidden
(2) Cuber on Yak
(3) Brahma on Gus
(4) Scanda on Pavlin
(5) Unknown God for Horses
(6) Indra on a three-headed elephant
(7) pit on buffalo
(8) Shiva on the bull
(9) Unknown God on Lev

Western Gallery - Battle on Lanka

This scene from "Ramayana" represents a long and cruel battle between the frame and king of Ravana demons (10 goals and 20 hands), depicted in the center of the gallery. This is one of the most impressive Bas-reliefs Angkor Wat. The battle occurring on Lanka (Sri Lanka Island) ends with the defeat of Ravan, who kidnapped the beautiful wife of the sieve. The central figures are monkey warriors fighting on the side of the frame.

The cruelty of the war is compared with the grace and grief of monkeys. Near the center: Frame stands on the shoulders of drums under the sorrow of arrows; Near the frame stand his brother Lakshman and the old demon. Nearby King Ravana Demons (10 heads and 20 hands) rides in a chariot, harboring mythical lions.

Between them, depicted a bow based on the heads of two lions. She was a monkey that built a bridge frame to Lanka. Nala throws the body of the warrior defeated by him over his shoulder. Prince Monkeys pulls out an elephant tusk from his three-pointed headdress and throws a tusle and a demon to the ground.

The main attraction of Cambodia are the ancient temples. The temples in Cambodia are a great set, but I will write about the most interesting, majestic and beautiful, which are striking with their bas-reliefs and interesting masonry. The temples of Angkor in Cambodia are a whole complex of temples, which includes the well-known temple Angkor Wat. All these temple complexes are located on the territory of more than 210 km² and many of them are still under research.

Cambodia draws attention to its originality - this is not at all Thailand, all the exhausted, elusive, comfortable and tourist. I still remember, amazing sensations from the intersection of the Thai-Cambodian border during the February trip of 2015. Beauty, culture, taped people in shape, almost immediately replace the rustic simplicity, helped, triggers and a Topless customs officer. The wild lands were impressed, according to which endlessly long, free residents who were able to sleep in a halate of polyethylene and at the same time enjoy life, but most of all struck the temples of Cambodia.

About our first impressions from visiting Cambodia, Thailand I tried to tell in a separate article, which turned out to be emotional and I hope interesting. For comparison, I propose to read the article about a similar trip inside Vietnam - distinguished

• How to get from Fukuoka to Ho Chi Minh City

These are amazing temple ensembles who could not get around even Hollywood, who has not once stacked them as decorations to their films. Tourists have features related to the sights of the sights of Cambodia, which follow to everyone before planning a trip to the temples:

• each temple is beautiful at different times of the day: some kind of dawn, some day
• at any time of the day you can get wonderful photos
• inspection of the temple complexes Cambodia takes a lot of time, so it should be given to this events of at least 2-3 days in order to have time to visit the most worthy places. For these days, you can find a hotel in the nearby town of Siemip.

About how to pick up cheap housing abroad with a separate journey, read the article, and I propose to use the hotel card to select the right place for the first days of arrival in Cambodia:

In addition, for the inspection of the entire complex, Angkor should think about the rental of transport, because Many temples are at a fairly large distance from each other. Earlier, I already wrote about the lease of the main types of transport, as well as about public transport Cambodia. However, tourists gathered at the inspection of the temples of Cambodia are provided an advanced option, so here we will lead the results.

All types of transport Cambodia for 2015

• The bike is an interesting offer, if you stay for a few days in Siem Ripe (this is the nearest place to temples). Approximately $ 2 for a bike for a day.
• Moped - Rent of mopeds ($ 8-10 per day) Foreigners in Siem Ripe is prohibited by law. However, if you arrived from another city, then be sure to leave transport on paid parking.
• Taxi - can be rented for one day for $ 30-40.
• Elephant - you can ride on an elephant from the Gate of Angkor Tom to the Bayon Temple. Cost $ 10. And in Angkor Vilab, you can not only ride an elephant, but also take a lesson from professional chambers. The drivers will help learn to confidently sit on an elephant and even with him you can learn several teams for an elephant. It costs about $ 50.
• A balloon - this amazing transport can be used for $ 11 per person (in the basket is up to 30 people). You can see only Angkor Wat from the air and capture it on the camera. But the ball rises only in good weather.
• Minibus - the cost of renting a minibus with a driver (for 12 people) - approximately $ 50 per day.
• Motoriksha (Tuk-Tuk) - I think the most popular transport for movement through the territory of the Angkor complex. The rental cost of Tuk Tuka varies from 10 to $ 20 per day.

How not to get asked when renting bikes or motorbikes in Cambodia, be sure to read an important article, remember non-compliance with the rules can cost you a large money for repairing or theft of a motorcycle. You can also read transport information in Cambodia:

The price of the entrance ticket to the territory of the Temples of Angkor:

• in one day is $ 20,
• for 3 days - $ 40 (can be visited during the week)
• for a week - $ 60 (it can be used for a month).

The watch visit the most famous Temple of Cambodia is Angkor Wat from 5 am to 6 in the evening. Do not think to lose the main (input) ticket, because On the territory of the temple complex there is own sisuritle, whose employees will very quickly notice the lack of a ticket and will discharge a fine.

Temple Angkor Wat.

One of the main buildings today, which is national proud and depicted on the flag of Cambodia.

The Angkor Wat temple was built when Rules King Suryavarman II (1112 - 1152). During his reign of Cambodia became a great power. Ankghor WAT is an amazing architectural structure, which was created without any mixtures (fastening materials), stone blocks are fitted so that they hold on to each other very precisely. The temple was built in 89 years, builders who participated in the construction of about 150 million people.

The heart of the temple is five towers - one in the center (this is the mythical mountain of the measure, where all the gods and goddesses live) and the four towers (temple) around it, and all this place is in the middle of the Rib (Ocean), and the sun and the moon rotate around the mountain . Angkor Wat can be recognized as the biggest religious building in the world, because It is built on faith in gods and goddesses. Therefore, it is divided into three worlds: the lowest world, the world of people, and the world of the gods. The vision of these worlds is looking not only in the structure, but also on bas-reliefs, and sculptures, which are decorated with all the walls of the temple.

A lot of tons of stone was used for the construction of the temple, and the weight of one block could reach up to 500 kg., Therefore, the khmers were helped by the elephants to move particularly heavy blocks. When expanding and studying the terrain, scientists did not find the buildings of ordinary Khmer - builders who built ancient structures, therefore the theory was expressed that these buildings were not at all erected by people, but this is another story ....

Angkor Wat is surrounded by a moat, crocodiles lived in it in the ancient times. The temple is well preserved compared to other buildings of Angkor, because Buddhist monks live here so far.

In 1992, together with other structures, Angkor was taken under the auspices of UNESCO. Temple Angkor Wat Home Tourist attraction of Cambodia.

There are still many beautiful temples in this complex, which is also worth seeing, I will tell you about them in:

• Angkor Tom
• Bayon Templ
• Bapuon
• Royal Corps and Pirtakas
• Plilei
• Tep Pranam
• Terrace Leading King
• Elephant terrace
• Klingi and Prasat Sorry Prat
• The temple of that prom is the most exciting soul of the Temple of Angkor and everyone who came to see Cambodia should see him. He is interested in what is abandoned and given to the ripples of the jungle, the trees that permeate it.

• Bantei Cade and Sagl Srang
• Ta Keo.
• Temple of prevant
• Pre-Nec Pian
• Ta Som.
• Vikaa

As you can see, see what, therefore, deciding to get acquainted with the ancient architecture, reserve not only patience, but also forces. Since going to walk a lot, listen if the hire of a good guide, even more, but also get impressions abound. All that, now you need is to choose the best possible time to fly to Cambodia and plan a vacation, and life in this country is quite budgetary, even for electoral travelers. Successes in the study of ancient buildings.

Continued story read in the following article:

And remember that in Cambodia it is not necessary to fly by direct flight, you are quite suitable for both Thailand and Vietnam, and further cheap buses will take 7-8 hours, during which you can enjoy the colors of this amazing country. Do not be afraid . You need to do just a small step.

I saw an excellent panorama from the air of the Cambodian temple famous for the whole world, I was impressed, and decided to tell you more. But for starters, still be sure to fly over this ancient construction. Purify the spirit of an ancient civilization. A huge temple with pointed towers is a miracle of symmetry. Symbolizes the sacred mountain from Indian mythology. There are pivops around the temple, which symbolize the oceans, wash the foot of the Divine Mountain. Angkor Wat is the most huge temple complex in the world. It is interesting for his galleries, towers, pavilions and gates, richly decorated with carvings on a stone, but they are all inferior by the greatness of the central temple.

In 1150, the gigantic complex Angkor Wat was erected in Cambodia. Most likely the construction took about 30 years, so we can assume that Angkor Wat began to build somewhere in 1110. The ruins of the Angcard lie approximately 240 km north-west of Cambodia's capital (former Campucia) - Phnom Penh, not far from Lake Tonleshap. Although, in theory, the temples of Angkor Wat the place in India, as they are a typical example of Hindu architecture.
Clickable 3000 PC Angkor Wat is devoted to the Hindu God Vishnu and serves both the sanctuary and the tomb of Suryavarman himself. Angkor Wat for Khmer, who ruled from IX to the XV century in Cambodia - this is something like a heavenly palace, in which the spirit of the kings can remain. Before the temple is a member width of 200 meters. In the rainy season, which in Cambodia can last up to 4 months, the ditch is filled with water. In addition, within the city, several more lakes are broken. Inside, you can only get through the main portal in the wall, which surrounds Angkor Wat on a plot of 260 square kilometers.
The temple itself is built from several platforms, following one after another. The first platform (180 meters 180 meters) 3.5 meters high, the second platform (110 to 115 meters) is towers by 7 meters, and the third (75 to 75 meters) is above the ground 13 meters. All three terraces are surrounded by gallery with duplex roofs. The towers are interconnected by absolutely symmetrical galleries. All buildings are symmetrically located. This is strange, because in the ancient times, Khmers were not familiar with the laws of equilibrium. All buildings in Angkor Wat are characterized by the rigor of lines and clarity. Lush decorations do not match this. Each temple stone is covered with carvings or bas-reliefs. What is only the gallery of the first platform of 600 meters long. Here is 8 panels with a total area of \u200b\u200bmore than 1000 square meters. Bowl of all depicts scenes from the life of the gods. Many erotic motifs. The most popular figure, which is found here is a dancing goddess of Apsear. In the center of the complex on the Church, Bayon depicts Lick of Bodhisatatvia Avalokiteshwara, one of the main characters of Buddhist mythology. In addition to the images of the gods in the temples there are historical paintings. For example, those depicting local rulers, warriors going on battle.
In total, the church is 5 main shrines. The first is located in the 60-meter tower, into which you can only get through the gate, staircase and open yards. There are four more, where the remaining shrines are stored. Total in Angkor Wat more than 200 small temples.
Usually, tourists begin their journey through Angkor Wat from the Western entrance. Climbing the short staircase to the first terrace in the shape of a cross guarded by giant stone lions falls on a long pavement leading to the center of your trip. The look falls on Gopura (Gopura - an entrance, entrance to Hindu terminology) with three tower, the upper part of which is dilapidated. The form of this Gopar is so developed and elongated that almost sweats on a separate building. A long closed gallery through which you have to go through, extends along the Rib in both sides. This is the main facade of Angkor Wat. In the middle, the passage is quite narrow for the main entrance, and at the edges of the gallery you can go through huge arches located at the ground level. The arches used to serve as passages for elephants, horses and cart.
From the central entrance, tourists lead to the right and spend the end of the gallery, paying attention to the windows with accurate columns and skillfully carved bas-reliefs on the walls. At the end of the gallery you can see all five towers of Angkor.
In the courtyard on the left and on the right there are two small buildings - these are libraries. They, like all the buildings of Angkor Wat, have the shape of the cross. For libraries - two pools (65 × 50 meters). The left is always filled with rainwater, and right, usually dry. Standing in front of the left swimming pool, you can look good 10 towers of Angkor (five of them are reflected in the water).
Between the first and second level of the complex there are cruciform transitional galleries with square columns dividing the courtyard into four parts. Some columns are decorated with inscriptions in Khmer language and Sanskrit. Everything else free space is given under graceful sockets, core and bas-reliefs. In fact, there is no place that the hand of the cutter would not touch. Next, up the stairs, you can get into the second level gallery (100 × 115 meters). Its main feature is an image of more than 1,500 sculptures of beautiful goddesses.
The next third, and the last, the level was allowed to visit only the king and monks. Twelve stairs with 40 steps each - one in the center of each side and 2 in the corners - rising at an angle of 70 degrees to the most important level. Steps are very narrow, so it is necessary to rise sideways, but to descend your back, that is, face to steps.
Angkor Wat could do not reach us. Too many wishing to destroy it, even after Angkor Wat was open. Today on the walls of the temple, shooting traces are visible. According to the political convictions of red Khmer, the country had to be released from religious addiction, so numerous figures of the gods were beheaded. Now, after two decades, restoration work begins. Oddly enough, but about this powerful complex learned relatively recently - about 100 years ago. Borrowing in Cambodian jungle near Lake Tonleshap, the French traveler Charles Emil Buuilyvo longly long among dense thickets, giant trees, frightened by predators and tortured clouds of mosquitoes, but suddenly stumbled upon an ancient city. Before that, the existence of this complex did not even guess. So it was "extracted from non-existence" Angkor Wat ("Pagoda of the capital") - the pearl of the skill of the ancient Khmer, the world's largest cult construction, erected in the middle of the XII century, in the rule of King Suryavarman II.

The history of the Angkor period takes its beginning in 800 to the NE, when the Khmer King Jaywan II announces the independence of the Campuchea (Cambodia) from Java and basses the capital of the new state - the city of Hariharalay, located in the north of Lake Tonle Sap. From now on, Jayavaman II is actively engaged in the seizure of neighboring states and by 802 to Na Kampuchea owns the lands that China now belong to China and Vietnam. In the same 802, he declares himself a full ruler and creates a cult of worship of God Shiva.

In 889, Yasovarman I rises to the throne and decides on the beginning of the construction of a new capital - Yasodkhamapur, which translated from Sanskrit - "Holy City". Keeping the tradition, he also, like his predecessors, builds a huge reservoir. The construction of the reservoirs was associated not only with the life and needs of the city, but in the observance of the tradition, the roots of which go to the myth about the sacred mountain, surrounded by the Great Ocean. Mount the measure in religious construction symbolized the temple surrounded by water, and Lingam *, located inside the temple, symbolized the ruler, which was a governor of God on Earth. YasOrman I built his temple on the hill to the Blueg's hill and surrounded his moat, which was filled with water from the reservoir created by him. During his rule, Yasovarman I built a lot of temples and spent no less reforms.

Throughout the next 300 years, the great rulers of the Khmer Empire built a lot of temple complexes, which, after many centuries, were conveyed to us the story of the life of the Great Civilization. The last temple was erected during the reign of Jayavaman VII. After his death, centuries-old construction stopped.

It is known that by 1000, during the highest bloom, the city occupied the territory of 190 square meters. km, and this meant that he was the largest city of the medieval world. The city of Angkor was the size of modern Manhattan. On the extensive space of its streets, squares, terraces and temples lived 600,000 people, and in the vicinity of the city - at least a million. The inhabitants of Angcard were Khmers who confessed Hinduism brought to Southeast Asia in the first century. e. The earliest mention of an Angkor in Cambodian chronicles belong only to the XV century. Unfortunately, the documents from the most ancient people were left. They used as a material for recordings a very low-income material that could not stand the time. But a large historical meaning is made in stone inscriptions, they are numbered more than a thousand, most of them are made in Khmer language and in Sanskrit. As the complex was erected, it is not known - not a single source has been preserved, except for the legend, which refers to the divine origin of the city. According to this legend, the prince of Prea Ket Mealaa was located in heaven from God Indra. He lived there in a beautiful palace. However, the prince did not like the heavenly dancers, and they simplified God to return him to the ground. In order not to offend Prea Ket Mealaa, Indra ordered the heavenly architect to the Fair to build on Earth the Temple Palace exactly repeating the one in which the prince stayed. So on the legend there was Angkor Wat.
It is absolutely accurate that Angkor Wat was a prosperous city. A completely impossible reason - why did he turn into an abandoned city, where all of its inhabitants are? After all, the fertile soil gave three crops of rice a year, Lake Tonleshap was abounded by fish, and dense forests - various game. Now there are two main theories. According to the first, in 1171 the city was defeated by the chambers - the neighbors of Khmer. And in 1431, Thais finally finally finished the already weakened people. But, then it is absolutely not clear why the invaders did not occupy the dyed lands ...
There is also a second theory, which is denied by the scientist world, as completely fantastic. It rests on the Buddhist legend: the emperor was so insulted by the son of one of the priests, which ordered the boy to drown a boy in the waters of Lake Tonleshap. In response, angry God brought the lake from the banks and crushed Angkor along with all its inhabitants.
Angkor Wat is perhaps the largest religious construction ever energized by a person. He is much more than any Muslim mosque, the European Cathedral, any pagoda or pyramid. However, despite all the historical and cultural value, the complex threatens a serious problem. Unfortunately, the reconstruction of Angkor Wat does not want to do seriously, as it requires very high costs. But this historical monument of ancient culture is in a very deplorable state. Very detrimental consequences for monuments had a war, leading here for the last two decades, as well as the plundering of temples of the thieves. But, in addition, the inexorab advancing vegetation of the jungle destroys Angkor complexes, its stone buildings are covered with moss and lichen.

Today, the Angkor Temple Complex is listed by UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Interesting fact: All the temples of the Angcore are built without the use of cement and any other binding materials. When erecting the temples, the sandstone stone blocks were most often used, which were connected on the principle of the castle, and the fortress walls were laid out of the tuff.

Angkor Wat is surrounded by a molar width of 190 m. In the old days, crocodiles were divorced in it. From the west side, the stone dam crosses the stone dam, which is the entrance to the territory of the temple. The Angkor-Wata territory is obtained by a wall of 1025 m per 800 m. From the gate to the temple, a long and wide road laid on the embankment, rising above the ground almost a half meters.

Angkor Wat has been preserved much better than many other structures of the Angkor complex, which is explained by the fact that after the last settlements left these places in Angkor Wat, Buddhist monks lived in Angkor. They live here and now.

The complex was discovered on January 22, 1861 by the French traveler Henri Muo. In the 1970s, some structures and sculptures of the complex were injured from the acts of vandalism from the soldiers of Paul Pot. In 1922, together with other structures, Angkor was taken under the auspices of UNESCO.

Bike is a good idea for a walk through the temples. Of course, only if you assume to stay in Siem Ripe more than a day.

Most local people prefer this type of transport when Angkor is visited, and therefore you have the opportunity to be closer to the local population, which entails not only joy and pleasure, but lower prices for food and drinks in the territory of the temple complexes.

White Bicycles is a rather large local company that gives bikes for rent. They are supported by many hotels and guest houses, since the main percentage of their income goes to charitable needs, in support of educational programs for children from poor families.

Taxi is a fairly common travel option for temples. It is comfortable for those who want to "touch" to the Treasures of Angkor, but prefers similar travels in the air-conditioned car cab. The negative side of such pleasures is likely to be what you are isolated from sounds, odors and many other charms.

The cost of one day of rental taxi, hesitate from $ 25 to $ 35. Mostly the price depends on how much you plan to start a walk through the temple complexes. If you prefer to meet the dawn into one of the wonderful terraces Angkor Wat, the cost of renting a taxi will be higher.

Rent of mopeds by foreigners in Siem Ripe is prohibited by law. However, some manage to bring a moped from Phnom Penh. If you have found a way to rent a moped, we strongly recommend to leave it in paid parking, because There is a huge chance of theft or hijacking.

For those who want to open a view of Angkor Wat from a bird's eye view, Angkor Balloon can offer you a trip to a basket of a balloon. The route is fixed and there is no possibility to change the course, the height of the flight is about 200 meters above the Earth. The cost of the pleasure of $ 11 per person (up to 30 people are placed in the basket). Unfortunately, this type of travel is not always available due to weather conditions.
The journey on the elephants was at the peak of popularity at the beginning of the 20th century. It was on the elephants that the first routes were laid on the temples of Angkor. Now, of course, an increasingly civilized and put in a king of organized tourism. You can ride on an elephant from the gate Angkor Tom to the Bayon Temple. The cost of such a journey will cost you about $ 10. But in the town called Angkor Vilash, you can not only book a walk on an elephant, but even get a real lesson from professional challenges. They will train you confidently sit on an elephant and you will find some teams to control the elephant. The cost of such a course is approximately $ 50. Popular among traveling groups. The cost of renting a minibus with a driver (for 12 people) - approximately $ 50 per day.
Perhaps the most popular transport for movement through the Angkor complex. Rickish cabins are quite comfortable and important bonus in the fact that they can protect you from rain. If you are lucky with the driver, it may be a good guide, as well as knowing the time streams of tourists on major routes in the complexes, will be able to help you avoid the crowd of photographing and screaming people. The cost of renting Moto Ricksha ranges from $ 10 to $ 20 per day.
As we said earlier, walking on foot is not the most convenient way to travel and there is a lot of grounds. First, Angkor Tom is 8 km from Siem Ripa. Secondly, quite a few picturesque temples are at a distance of 15-10 km from Angkor Tom. It is also important to also take into account the fact that after 11 am the sun remains in Zenith and long-term hiking can be a very serious burden on the body. However, if the facts described above did not scare you, you decided to walk on foot, then discover the road running around the wall Angkor Tom. This route will open you not only the little-known temples hidden in thickets of tropical trees, but also will enjoy the singing of birds and the music of the jungle.













By the way, literally in August 2014