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Ancient Temples and the Ramayana


We begin with the Angkor Wat temple complex, which rests in Southeast Asia within the boundaries of modern Cambodia. If the ravages of time and human influence had spared the outermost wall that once enclosed the temple proper, city, and royal palace, Angkor Wat would occupy an area of two hundred and three acres within its outer most fortifications. Even with the loss of several key structures this temple remains one of the most intact and highly ornate examples of the classical Hindu architecture that remains synonymous with the Khmer empire. .
             The initial construction of the temple complex began in the twelfth century AD and is estimated to have continued for the next fifty years. Built by the Khmer king Suryavarman the second, the Angkor complex was meant to function as the empirical capital city and state temple during its early history. The temple that resides within the walls of Angkor was originally Hindu and dedicated to Vishnu, who was considered a face of morality and represented a savior to the Khmer people. This complex was meant to become the most ambitious Khmer monument in the empire's history. However, following the king's death in 1150 AD, a date which has been confirmed via written accounts from the time, the laboring that had gone uninterrupted at Angkor for five decades halted. The temple and much of the complex was abruptly abandoned as a violent period in Khmer history began, during which numerous kings reigned briefly and then were overthrown by their successors. This period of internal conflict ended as Jayavarman the seventh gained the throne in 1181 AD.11 An accomplished military leader, Jayavarman would go on to become the last of the great kings of Angkor, known for his unification of the empire and noteworthy building projects. Including the Angkor Tom temple that resides several miles north of Angkor Wat. As king he quickly regained control of the Angkor territory, which had been conquered by the Cham during the floundering reigns of the previous kings.


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