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T H E S O U L O F C A M B O D I A
PHOTO
JOREM CATILO
Ta Prohm has
managed to retain
its charm over
the centuries
that depict Hindu epics, mythologies,
battles between gods and
asuras
(sinful
power-seeking deities), and a historical
scene with Suryavarman. Numerous
devatas
(minor female deities) also
adorn the other walls.
As you walk through the ancient
galleries and take in every inch of these
extensive bas-reliefs, you’ll surprisingly
find some of the temple’s corners and
corridors relatively empty — for a few
symbolizes the universe according
to Hindu tradition: the central tower
represents Mount Meru (considered
the center of the universe and home
of the deities or
devas
), and the moat
for the oceans. Within the vast outer
wall surrounding the central temple
are the galleries, which run between
the towers.
Within the inner walls of the
galleries are impressive bas-reliefs
loads of people almost any time of the
day. Well, almost. There are hours in
between when encounters with fellow
tourists are kept to a minimum.
In Angkor Wat, after the early risers
get their sunrise shots, most disappear
to have breakfast in the nearby eateries.
We took it as our chance to explore the
temple. Built by King Suryavarman II
in devotion to the Hindu deity Vishnu,
Angkor Wat is a temple-mountain that