Angkor Wat Devotee Lights Incense in Buddha Temple

by Jo Ann Tomaselli

Title

Angkor Wat Devotee Lights Incense in Buddha Temple

Artist

Jo Ann Tomaselli

Medium

Photograph - Photograph

Description

An Angkor Wat Devotee Lights Incense in Buddhas Temple by Jo Ann Tomaselli

The ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a cultural landmark city of historical importance and a UNESCO World Heritage Center. It is the largest Hindu temple complex and the largest religious monument in the world. The temple, built by Kin Suryavarman in the early 12th century consists of a maze-like interior where tourists and devotees can wander and discover, around each turn, alters and small temples dedicated to numerous Hindu and Buddhist Gods.

On a recent visit, I too wandered through this landmark building and around one turn, was witness to an amazing ritual. As sun light poured through an outer window on this sculpture of Buddha, I watched the light play over the statue and the stone interior. As if by magic, a devotee appeared from some hidden doorway and began to tend to this statue of Buddha. First the incense was light and then he proceeded to adjust the gold sash, all with the utmost devotion. At the last, before departing, this religious person, looked up with devotion and awe at the icon.

Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple mountain and the galleried temple. Unlike most temples, it is oriented to the west and is admired for the grandeur and harmony of its extensive bass-reliefs and numerous devatas adorning its walls. It is a very special place of religious significance and well worth the pre-dawn arrival.

Uploaded

June 8th, 2013

Statistics

Viewed 1,937 Times  -  Last Visitor from Cambridge, MA on 04/23/2024 at 12:40 PM

Colors

Embed

Share

Sales Sheet

Tags