If we consider the architectural monuments of Buddhism, then we can note with their naked eyes their originality and dissimilarity to Christian cultural objects. Religion, which does not deny the existence of gods, does not give them the main role in human life.
Buddhism does not recognize rock and believes that the fate of people depends only on their own efforts. A religion that preaches the infinity of creation is often called self-salvation. She affirms the differences between God and Buddha, saying that the latter never punishes a person.
The main ideas about the unsteadiness of the earth and the many rebirths after death were reflected not only in legends, musical works, but also in religious architecture.
Buddhist architecture
In the early stages of Buddhism, small cave temples were widespread, but over time it became necessary to build large and spacious buildings. The first Buddhist monastery was erected in an inaccessible place so that the ministers were in complete solitude and nothing prevented them from indulging in meditation.
Stupas are completely man-made places of worship, the architectural form of which originates from the burial hills. They were erected as a sign of respect for the deceased. Buddhists themselves believe that the stupa conceals only the energy of good.
Looking like towers or hemispheres, they were built of brick and stone. The stupas fenced on all sides by gates contained valuable and revered relics, and the Buddha located in the very center became a symbol of nirvana.
What is wat?
In our article, we will talk about the famous temple building, which has no equal in particular greatness. A petrified miracle that keeps unsolved secrets causes equal interest among tourists and scientists.
Before you start talking about it, you need to understand what wat is. This is not only the temple itself, but the whole complex, which includes a monastery, bell towers, hotels and shelters for pilgrims, hospitals, schools. That is, it is a real town with buildings for various purposes, closed from view and fenced off by walls. Its main purpose is to serve the cult.
How is the word wat translated?
What is "wat" in Sanskrit? The word means "land that is fenced", thereby reflecting the essence of the structures. From the ancient Pali language it is translated as “a place for a temple” and carries a broader meaning. By the way, in the Khmer language there is the word “voat”, one of the meanings of which is “admiration” or “veneration”.
Now it becomes clear what wat is and why these buildings, known for their special, unusual beauty, are so attractive to every traveler.
Mysterious attraction
The symbol of Khmer national pride is one of the most mysterious sights of Southeast Asia, located in Cambodia, and representing the oldest religious building. The attractive Angkor Wat, spreading over more than 200 hectares, has no analogues in world culture.
The unique complex, built first as a dedication to the god Vishnu, never took crowds of pilgrims, but was erected as a habitat for the gods. Another of its destinations is funeral, because kings are buried in it. The main buildings were intended to visit only the spiritual elite and the authorities of the Khmer state.
After 1432, Buddhist monks who now live in it began to answer for the Hindu temple .
Personification of the universe
Initially, a Hindu, and later a Buddhist temple complex included city buildings, trading shops and a royal palace, from which now nothing remains. The three-level composition, 65 meters high with a huge number of stairs, passages and galleries, resembles a giant pyramid that personifies the Universe, with five towers that visually resemble corn cobs.
Accurate calculations
A miniature copy of the earthly model, which makes a lasting impression, is recognized as one of the most impressive buildings in the world.
The polished stones that make up the man-made miracle are perfectly matched to each other without a single seam, and no mortar was used when laying them. And this is one of the mysteries of the temple: it is not clear how such exact mathematical calculations were carried out many centuries ago, and how the installation of multi-ton structures was carried out.
Unsolved mystery
The huge temple city of Angkor Wat was abandoned by people more than 500 years ago. The lush vegetation of the jungle swallowed him, and the ruthless time and humid climate did not spare the creation of Asian culture, turning it into ruins. No one knows why the inhabitants left the city, although many researchers of Khmer culture are trying to lift the veil of this secret, but so far without success.
After 1992, restoration works began to be carried out in the UNESCO World Heritage Site temple complex, and now it accepts travelers who want to enjoy the picturesque views of an impressive masterpiece.