Stepping over the rubble of blackened stone choked by a
creeping vine, a magical sensation tingles up my spine. I am surrounded
by 100 years of Cambodian Khmer history, captured in stone and
strangled by nature. Reflective of this country’s violent and bloody
battle, here in the temples of Angkor, a battle continues. Now, it is
the battle of human verse nature as trees and vines swallow the
temples. The winner is nature as it takes back its space.
Built during Khmer civilisation at its height
of power are the temples of Angkor. Just moments outside of Siem Reap
in an area of about 400 km2 are hidden nearly 100 temples amongst
surrounding jungle. After the collapse of the Khmer civilisation,
Angkor was abandoned and left for the jungle to devour.
In this land of history, a land which the
western civilization had forgotten, the jungle thrived on its
containment of these magnificent temples. Described by the locals as
‘temples built by gods’ these temples were discovered in 1860. Over
time, more people came to this lost city of a Cambodian empire and in
1992 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Considered the biggest temple complex of the
world, exploring these temples today will cost you USD$20 for a Day
Entrance pass. There are specialised tours with a guide, however, you
can just as easily pick up a local Tuk-tuk driver for USD$15 for the
day. While you can do a shorter circuit of the main temples in one
day, it is recommended to take at least three days to really discover
the majority of the temples.
Angkor Wat is the most recognised temple in
the area and considered the biggest Asian pyramid. Its several layers
tower 65 metres high at its most central point, which resembles the
shape of a lotus flower. Angkor Wat’s sheer size is breathtaking,
defined by intricate decorations of heavenly nymphs, the Battle of
Kurukshetra, the Army of Suryavarman II, Heaven and Hell, Churning of
the Ocean of Milk, Elephant Gate, Vishnu Conquers the Demons, Khrisna
and the demon King, Battle of the Gods and the Demons and the Battle of
Lanka.
Exploring the other temples in the area begins
with the magical sun-kissed Bayon Temple, depicting the everyday life
scene of Cambodia in the XII century.
The charm of nearby Ta Prohm temple is you do not know where nature ends and the man-made structure starts.
Aptly named Elephant Terrace, the next temple
sits at the end of a 350 meter long terrace of elephant statues. Once
used as a giant viewing stand during royal and public ceremonies, this
temple still holds a magic that captures the imagination of such an
event.
Quite far from the rest, Banteay Srei temple
is worthy of the visit. This well-preserved temple displays
declarations of delicate women carrying lotus flowers, and epic scenes.
Wandering through these temples ruins I cannot
help but see the reflection of this country’s history. Tired,
tormented rubble of a once magnificent structure lays broken and
destroyed. Yet, amongst this destruction, springs new life. Green
leafy vines intertwine and reach from nooks and crannies to seek the
sunlight. A country re-born with a hope for new life.
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Source = e-Travel Blackboard: Kate Webster
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