Religious Tour

ANGKOR MAIN

ANGKOR TEMPLES

SMALL CIRCUIT

GRAND CIRCUIT

RELIGIOUS TOUR

Hinduism and Buddhism have flourished side by side in the ancient kingdom of Cambodia. Khmer kings worshiped in particular the Gods Shiva, Vishnu and the Buddha as well as Lokeshvara (the Boddhisattva of compassion). In order to understand the spirituality of the Angkorian time, Religious circuit showcases three main groups of temples of religious practice in a chronological order:

1. From the 9th to the 11th century – Shiva,

2. In the first half of the 12th century – Vishnu (co-existing with Shiva, and sometimes with Buddhist images)

3. At the end of the 12th and beginning of the 13th century – Mahayana Buddhism.

Hindusim believes in divine trinity - Bhrama the Creator, Shiva the Destroyer and Vishnu the Restorer. Angkor Wat’s sacred part is its Sanctuary where the idol of Lord Vishnu is kept. The plan symbolizes the four stages to enlightenment Sotapanna, Sakadagami, Anagami and Arahant that enables humans to attain salvation or Moksha . The most salient characteristic is the temple’s cosmological connection. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are considered as holy trinity of Hinduism. While Brahma is the creator of the universe and Shiva is the destroyer, Vishnu is responsible for the upkeep of the world.

Astonishing sophistication with which the geometry of the temple is created to align with the constellation in the sky called “Draco”. Even the measurements of this temple were associated with the astrological measurements making the architectural plan act as a tool to help humans connect with the divinity. Astronomy had a significant influence on the structure of Angkor Wat, the main temple has an observation deck to watch the Sun and the Moon. The outer wall axis around the complex is precisely equal to the solar years in days, and its perimeter is equal to the lunar year in days. Angkor Wat is a mini-scale replica of the spatial universe in stone. Indeed, watching sunrise and sunset at Angkor Wat is an once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Religious circuit is a four-day tour and this will broaden the knowledge on Hinduism & Buddhism. Following this circuit, the visitors will be able to better their understanding about the religious beliefs and practices of Khmer people in the temples.

Angkor is a sacred site, respectful dress and behaviour are strongly encouraged.