Cambodia's Angkor Wat to be Restored: Informed Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India

 Angkor Wat, the Wonderful Architecture of Khmer Empire 

The Magnificent Temple of Angkor Wat

Last week, India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar stated  India's legacy and culture is not just limited to our sub-continent but to other countries as well. The Great Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia is a magnificent example of architecture built in the 12th century during the Khmer Empire. 

The Context 

On Sunday, addressing the newly inaugurated Kashi Tamil Sangamam, Dr. S Jaishankar stressed on the extent of our culture. Of how the ‘contribution of temples in society and nation building’ is far emancipating.  He said 

There are temples not only in India, not only in Indian subcontinent, but in many regions beyond. 

India has been the driving force in restoring many temples like—

 Thiruketheeswaram Temple in Sri lanka, Facilitating Ramayan Circuit in Nepal, stressing on the relation of India and Korea in Ayodhya. Also, the spread of Indian culture by Indians and Indian Diaspora is also a commendable matter in Bahrain, UAE, US and counting. 

Traces of Hinduism and Buddhism are evident

Talking about the famous Angkor Wat Temple dedicated to God Vishnu, let's see what history it holds within! 

The Origin Story 

Angkor Wat—the Biggest Temple in the World is situated in Cambodia's Northern province of Siem Reap, the picturesque and important archeological sites of Southeastern Asia. 

Key Takeaways

• Angkor, capital of the Khmer Empire —>Flourished from —9th to 15th Century

• Commissioned by the Cambodian King Suryavarnan II and finally Completed by Jayavarman VII . 

The Temple Representation 

The Magnificent Temple represents Mount Meru, regarded as the Hindu Home of God's linking it to mythological significance. 

The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and to Theravada Buddhism around 14 th Century. Built with many rock motifs, the structure leaves the viewers awestruck. 

Food For Thought-     

Tripura's Unakoti (one less one crore) is called the 'Angkor Wat of the North- East'. Also, it  holds the UNESCO world Heritage Site tag. 

Stylistic Elements

These are few characteristic styles present in Angkor Wat:

1. Ogival (having pointed gothic arch) 

2. Lotus bud-shaped towers

3. Half- galleries

4 . Axial Galleries 

5.Connecting enclosures and Cruciform terraces and others. 

India's history has been an array of wars, architecture, amalgamation of culture and the urge for unification. India's Presidency in the G20 and its mantra - "One Earth, One Family, One Future" smoothly preaches our motto of  "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam". The initiative to restore our heritage promotes the message of peace, prosperity and togetherness for a Global vision of "The World is One Family".

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