Day 88. Legacy-25

AngkorWat:

I am closing this section on temples  as the intention was to highlight the legacy left by temples across the country. There are many more temples to cover, though. I wish to end with a temple that will disturb any normal Hindu mind.(But then what cannot be cured must be endured is an old adage, that will help us to take even this in our stride).

Angkor Wat ( lit. 'temple city / city of temples'), located in northwest Cambodia, is the largest religious structure (temple complex) in the world by land area, measuring 162.6 hectares (401+³⁄₄ acres). 

At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of four towers surrounding a central spire that rises to a height of 65 m (213 ft) above the ground. The temple has three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. It lies within an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2+¹⁄₄ miles) long and a moat more than five kilometres (three miles) long.^.

The temple was built at the behest of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yaśodharapura  present-day Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire, as the state temple for the empire. Originally constructed as a personal mausoleum for Suryaman, dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu in the early 12th century, it was converted to a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century.

It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west. Scholars are divided as to the significance of this. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of its architecture, extensive bas-reliefs, and statues of Buddhas and Devas that adorn its walls.

As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Cambodia and around the world. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's main tourist attraction. Angkor Wat played a major role in converting Cambodia into a Buddhist nation.

Tragedy:

What is significant for Hindus to note is that it was built dedicating to Lord Vishnu. A video of the temple shows extensive depiction of Hindu religious stories and  events on corridor walls prominently. This only shows that the structure was converted  to  a Budhist temple later on. Here is a lesson for the placid Hindus.  Such threats loom ahead  today and tomorrow. Unless one is  alert and agile history will get repeated at one place or other.

Many of the Hindus today may not have even heard about this  great temple. Even I came to know about it only  a couple of years earlier. How we will know…no mention is made in our History books- not even a one line reference!. Because that is not relevant for our rulers since independence. But we know everything about  others trivialities, but not this. It can be only compared with ignorance of say, Ramayana , by the new generation. Is that acceptable? Think over. 

Ever since I have come across about it, I have brought this temple in my writings, talks and classes… and many in the audience were totally blank on it !  It may not be a Hindu temple in practice, but , I think, we must project its origin-such that it gives an  insight into the greatness of that Hindu King, who planned, executed  such a massive structure- even today the biggest temple in the world.

Is it not something to be proud of by the Hindus, though it had happened on foreign soils?  One must Ponder deeply.

This blog must be shared among  all possible networks, far and wide, for the above reasons. 

We must be proud of the lost Legacy. If we are not who else will be? 

Don't you agree?

Be happy. Be safe.

ॐ तत् सत

7 30 AM