A Particular Invitation to Angkor for Indians and Hindus
A hymn for Shiva at the Bakong
On top of the pyramid of the Bakong, I heard once a hymn to Shiva, which travellers from Ubud, Bali were singing.
However, mostly I meet people like the Indian who was confused because Google calls Angkor Wat a Buddhist temple.
Talking with Hindus, I would also like to update my knowledge of Hinduism and Buddhism.
However, mostly I meet people like the Indian who was confused because Google calls Angkor Wat a Buddhist temple.
Talking with Hindus, I would also like to update my knowledge of Hinduism and Buddhism.
The three epochs of Angkorian history
From the 9th to the mid-12th centuries, kings built pyramid temples, where they venerated Shiva as the Lord of the World.
Angkor Wat is dedicated to Vishnu as a manifestation of Shiva and annexed to the Shiva temple Phnom Bakheng.
Kings also built privately or tolerated Buddhist temples.
From the Late 12th to mid-13th centuries, Buddhism was the state religion and huge flat temples were built.
The collapse of the irrigation system and other problems.
As a result, the royal court and the nobles abandoned Angkor. Hinduism and Buddhism were totally forgotten. Theravada Buddhist Kings partly destroyed the temples Baphuon, Phnom Bakheng and Angkor Wat.
Angkor Wat is dedicated to Vishnu as a manifestation of Shiva and annexed to the Shiva temple Phnom Bakheng.
Kings also built privately or tolerated Buddhist temples.
From the Late 12th to mid-13th centuries, Buddhism was the state religion and huge flat temples were built.
The collapse of the irrigation system and other problems.
As a result, the royal court and the nobles abandoned Angkor. Hinduism and Buddhism were totally forgotten. Theravada Buddhist Kings partly destroyed the temples Baphuon, Phnom Bakheng and Angkor Wat.
The Indianisation of Angkor
In the early first millennium CE, traders from India, followed by Brahmins, arrived at the Delta of the Mekong and, soon moved along the river inside the country.
The Indians brought with them:
• The cult of Shiva and Vishnu
• Buddhism.
• The Sanskrit language and writing system.
• The conception of the Hindu temple and the building with brick and stone, however not the technology.
• The conception of Kingship.
The Indians brought with them:
• The cult of Shiva and Vishnu
• Buddhism.
• The Sanskrit language and writing system.
• The conception of the Hindu temple and the building with brick and stone, however not the technology.
• The conception of Kingship.
Further Introduction
Angkor is especially confusing for Hindu visitors,
Therefore, I recommend a special introduction in a Temple Talk.
Therefore, I recommend a special introduction in a Temple Talk.
Service for Explorers: I appreciate your experiences, questions and critique, and will answer soon. Consultancy for tour-guides and travel agents.
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