Our previous evening in Siem Reap was enjoyable. It is the 2nd largest city in Cambodia and is quite lively. With a large tourist and trekker influx, there are many restaurants, Dr. Fish locations, massage parlors and bars that serve $0.40/mugs of Angkor beer...quite refreshing.
I did not realize how large an area and the number of temple complexes that were located around Sien Reap. We arrive at the main entrance gate and obtain or ticket that allows you to visit all of the temples in the area for a period of 3 days...your picture is taken and embossed on your ticket...visiting the complex without a ticket can result in a large fine. It is already very hot at 8:30 AM with the temperature approaching 90 F. We have water, mosquito repellant and good shoes...ready to travel. We have a local guide named USHA, who is extremely knowledgeable bout Hinduism, Buddhism, Cambodian history and the highlights of each temple we visited.
I read about Angkor Wat (AW) prior to my visit and reference was made to the intersection of Hinduism and Buddhism within the AW's complex. I strongly suggest that you have a basic understanding of both Hinduism and Buddhism in order to maximize the value of your visit...the Cambodian civilizations started with Hinduism ---->Mahayana Buddhism ---->Hinduism ---->Theravada Buddhism.... today Cambodians honor both Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism. King Jayavarman VII built 49 temples during his reign to honor Buddhism with a touch of Hinduism...the following King, J VIII strongly supported Hinduism and had many of King J VII's Buddha images destroyed or chiseled out of the temples.
Our first temple is "Preah Khan" which is the King's palace built by King J VII. This temple had 375 rooms to house Buddhist monks and nuns. Being the first temple, we are impressed with its size and beauty of the stone carvings. We view the "Karosdna"-- stone carving of the sacred bird, trinity icons that represent Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, walk through small doorway that force visitors to crouch and bow before the gods, etc. This temple was one of two that was used in the Indiana Jones "Temple of Doom" movie. Notice that the Buddha heads are missing from the top of the “Naga”. The Vietnamese removed them as trophies after defeating the Khmer Rouge who were making their last stand in this area. We are drinking plenty of water and temperatures now exceed 100 F. Even some of the guys are using umbrellas for protection against the sun's rays.
As we walk through the destroyed Palace grounds we see numerous wall carvings, statues and one includes a depiction of two wrestlers and one with children swimming in the King's swimming pool...wish we could join them...it is hot, hot hot....
Our next stop is Angkor Thom (AT) also built by King VII. What the King did was to take existing temples, surround them with a wall and build his Palace and the Bayou temple within the walls. Much of the old temples are more than fallen walls with stone carving but one gains a sense of the immense size of Angkor Thom. The most amazing feature of AT is the "Bayou Temple"...absolutely immense, overpowering and beautiful. 100+ large Buddha faces cover the 49 towers within the temple. I hope the attached pictures convey the beauty of this temple which was once gilded in gold and held 1,000s of gems which enhanced the beauty of the interior. See me kissing one of the Buddha statutes!!!
As we walk through the destroyed Palace grounds we see children swimming in the King's swimming pool...wish we could join them...it is hot, hot hot....
Time for lunch and regenerate our power and rest our feet.
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