Images Dated 16th April 2009

Sunlight Shining Onto The Headless Statue in Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor Wat (Capital Temple) is a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world, with the site measuring 162.6 hectares (1, 626, 000 sq meters). It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the 12th century. It was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yaodharapura, the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Breaking from the Shaiva tradition of previous kings, Angkor Wat was instead dedicated to Vishnu. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors

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