Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c43.40

c43.40

But fully to appreciate the building art of the Khmers at its apogee, the architecture of the succeeding century, that of the twelfth, and here referred to as the "Culmination of the Classical Phase" should be studied This century in Cambodia was one of marked constructional activity, and several important buildings were erected, but one edifice, of such a monumental character as to stand out above all others, is the temple of Angkor Vat, considered to be the largest and most impressive stone temple in existence. This magnificent architectural composition was the conception of King Suryavarman II (1112-1151) during whose reign the main part of it was constructed, the final completion, however, for it was a huge building project, being due to his successor King Dharanindravarman II (1152-1181) The name Angkor is a corruption of the Sanskrit "Nagara," meaning city, or capital, while "Vat" is a relatively modern Siamese name for any Buddhist building, so that the Angkor Vat is the "City Temple" or "Grand Cathedral" of the Khmers. Originally consecrated to the Hindu deity Vishnu, whose image was installed in the adytum, at a later date, believed to have been under King Jaiyavarman VII (1181-1201), the last of the great Cambodian rulers, it was adapted to Buddhism.