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The Angkor Wat temple is world famous for being a product of the most engineering feats in human history. It has the distinction of being the biggest stone temple in the world and the steps are amongst the steepest in the world.

It was built in the 12^th century for King Suryavarman II, and is one of the most well preserved temples in Cambodia. It epitomizes the classical style of the Khmer temple architecture, which is a combination of two plans: one is the temple mountain and the other is the galleried temple. The design of the temple represents Mount Meru, the mythological home of the Hindu Gods (devas).

Angkor Wat is oriented to the West, which is not the case with the other temples in Angkor.

Until the 19^th century the Angkor city and temples were hidden by the forests. It was seen by the world only when French archaeologists took up the extensive restoration of this hidden marvel that stood the test of time. It involved clearing the forests, repairing the damaged foundations and constructing drains to ensure that water does not damage the buildings.

The Angkor Wat temple is now a World Heritage Site, which ensured that the Cambodian government protected the site and also funded part of the restoration project.

In the 1980’s, after another restoration, the roof was replaced with cement, but this cement leaked into the temple and caused immense damage. Now, restoration is underway and the roof stones have been removed, but they will be reassembled on stronger foundations. There are also sections of the structure that have collapsed, and this restoration is to ensure there is no further collapse.

This architectural masterpiece with its perfect balance, composition and sculpture is one of the finest monuments in the world. A moat surrounds the temple and the wall around it measures 1300m x 1500m. The walls of this temple are covered inside and outside with carving and bas-reliefs. Keeping such a massive structure intact is a huge task, which is being undertaken with a lot of love and care it deserves.