I have seen some spectacular temples and ruins in many Southeast Asian countries, from Bagan in Myanmar to Borobudur and Prambhanam in Java. Angkor was really the last of the great sites that I hadn't been to. It turned out to be the piece de resistance, not so much for the magnificent architecture per se, but for what was inside.
The intricate wall carvings of the story of the asuras and devas churning out nectar, as well as scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata, set this temple out from anything else in Southeast Asia. It's amazing how much soft power and reach ancient India had far and beyond what are its boundaries in 2014.
Visiting this great temple, has awakened an interest in me to know more about Hindu stories. They really are a treasure.
The Angkor Wat carvings are the reflection of artistic genius and prowess that remains unparalleled to this day. It makes you realise one thing. The modern nation-state is a 19th century European construct that was imposed on Asia. We never had borders, passports and national id cards. When Buddhist monks wanted to come to India 150 years ago to follow the footsteps of the Buddha, no one stopped them to check for identity papers.
Culturally and spiritually, India and Southeast Asia are one.
The intricate wall carvings of the story of the asuras and devas churning out nectar, as well as scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata, set this temple out from anything else in Southeast Asia. It's amazing how much soft power and reach ancient India had far and beyond what are its boundaries in 2014.
Visiting this great temple, has awakened an interest in me to know more about Hindu stories. They really are a treasure.
The Angkor Wat carvings are the reflection of artistic genius and prowess that remains unparalleled to this day. It makes you realise one thing. The modern nation-state is a 19th century European construct that was imposed on Asia. We never had borders, passports and national id cards. When Buddhist monks wanted to come to India 150 years ago to follow the footsteps of the Buddha, no one stopped them to check for identity papers.
Culturally and spiritually, India and Southeast Asia are one.
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