Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Cambodia, is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest religious monument globally, showcasing a fusion of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles within its expansive temple complex. Situated on a 162.6-hectare plot of land in the ancient Khmer capital city of Angkor, it is a fascinating fusion of concentric galleries, Where religious beliefs played a significant role in shaping the design, with temple mountains commonly used as the architectural model for the Khmer Empire’s state temples. Features such as the building's east-west orientation and solstices alignments imply astronomical significance.

History of Angkor Wat

Early in the 12th century, King Suryavarman II ordered the construction of Angkor Wat, which was intended to serve as both a large tomb for the king and a temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu. Built over a number of decades, it was the crown jewel of Khmer architecture, which was once the dominant civilisation in most of Southeast Asia.

What makes it especially fascinating is the direction it faces, which is unlike most temples in the region. Unlike the majority of temples in the region, Angkor Wat faces west, a direction traditionally linked to the afterlife in Hindu culture. This unusual alignment supports the belief that the temple also served a spiritual purpose beyond daily worship.

The location was progressively reclaimed by nature following the collapse of the Khmer Empire in the fifteenth century. However, unlike many abandoned structures of its time, Angkor Wat was never completely forgotten. Buddhist monks continued to care for the temple, and over the centuries, it evolved into a sacred destination for Buddhist pilgrims—a role it proudly upholds to this day.