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
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Comments (55)
Ram Vasudev
Splendid capture, Jo Ann. Love the soft side-lighting, yellow fabric on the Buddha statue, smoke from the incense, and the look of the devotee. Well done. Thanks for sharing - some of us may not get to see Angor Wat. Voted.
Ken Johnson
Nice lighting and unexpected splash of color. Just the right amount of detail. Good work. l/f