In the middle of the dense jungle of Cambodia, there is something precious, standing a masterpiece that surpasses human imagination. Angkor Wat, a giant temple city that is not just a building, but an architectural symphony built on human spirituality and intelligence. Built by the Khmer civilization in the 12th century, this temple is the pinnacle of ambition, belief and unmatched engineering in its time.
How was this ancient civilization able to create a miracle that lasted for centuries and stands until today? Something that is still a mystery. But this is all still in the earth, the country of Cambodia.
Angkor Wat was built during the reign of King Suryavarman II, that's what I heard from one of our guides, not to mention it had been a discussion during history lessons when I was in high school. This temple was originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the protector god in Hinduism which reflects the deep influence of Indian culture on the Khmer kingdom. It turns out, Angkor Wat is more than just a place of worship. It is a cosmological representation of the universe where its five main towers symbolize the peak of Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu methodology. While the moat that surrounds it symbolizes the extraordinary cosmic ocean.
Every element of its architecture is designed with mathematical precision. Giant stones and sand were transported from quarries in the Phnom Kulen mountains as far as 50 km, of course that is not a short distance. Then the stones and sand were cut and arranged without using mortar which finally formed the largest temple. The reliefs that adorn the walls are not just decorations, there are stories and visual narratives that tell the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as the daily life of the Khmer people.
Each carving is evidence of unmatched artistic expertise from anything. However, the wonder of Angkor Wat does not only lie in its beauty, behind its grandeur is hidden a sophisticated water management system, which is the backbone of Khmer civilization. The network of reservoir canals, halls and artificial reservoirs are designed to handle all seasons, namely rain and dry. Ensuring the supply of water for agriculture and the daily life of the Khmer people. Until finally this system is evidence of engineering intelligence that is far ahead of its time.
He is proof that when imagination, belief and intelligence come together, humans are able to create something eternal. However, this immortality is not something that is given for granted. It requires care and commitment to preserve it.
About Author
Call me Isdarmady, sometimes Mady, Putra or anything you want. I have a pretty long name but call me very nicely. There are many things I like, especially hydroponics and coffee, sometimes I also like traveling and eating whatever I want. Life should be like that, there must be many things you like so you can live well. Of course, what you want is a dream, so, when you have a dream then what you have to do is to achieve that dream, don't just let it be a dream.
There are many things I tell on my Blog, I hope you like it. Never hesitate to leave a comment, because your comments mean so much to keep me moving forward.
My english so bad, but I try to be better. I hope we can be friends without thinking about our backgrounds. Let's keep this community better and better known by the wider community.
