Angkor Wat

"Angkor Wat (or Angkor Vat), is a Hindu temple complex at Angkor, Cambodia, built for the king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation—first Hindu, dedicated to Vishnu, then Buddhist. The temple is the epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors."

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angkor_Wat)

We toured this interesting temple complex this morning. Our knowlegeable tour guide told us the history behind the temple, including the fact that this temple is built facing west (rather than east, as most Hindu temples) and that the bas-reliefs that cover the walls are in counter-clockwise direction (also opposite of most Hindu temples). These facts lend to the notion that perhaps the king had Angkor Wat built as his funerary grounds. A jar was found in the uppermost tower that may have been where the king's remains were kept, however, it is not known as a fact.

The vast number of bas-reliefs is intriguing as is their complexity and uniformity. To think that this structure was constructed in ancient times without the aid of machinery is mind boggling. It is suggested that over 3000 slaves participated in it's construction.

Statues of Hindu gods are presently kept in the temple and continue to be worshipped, as is Budda. Incense burns continually and worshippers offer their gifts at the foot of these gods, while asking for their desires to be granted.

That the environment is highly charged spiritually is an understatement. It is intriguing and heartbreaking to see the extensiveness of desperation for humanity to seek spiritual approval. Acts 17:27 tells us that we are created to seek Him and that He is not far from each of us. What a sweet comfort! We are worshippers, whether we think ourselves 'religious' or not. Each one of us worships someone or something. The futility in offering gifts and sacrifices to a piece of stone is suffocatingly heartbreaking. May God stir each of our hearts in gratitude for His gentle affection for us in that He died that we might live. May our lives demonstrate His truth to those who live in darkness.