Cambodia, like the other countries in Southeast Asia, has over hundreds of years of history and unique culture. Although it's just one of the many countries with marvelous ancient temples and relics, Cambodia has something that the others don't have—Bakheng Temple. This temple was built by King Suryavarman II to honor Lord Vishnu. During its peak, Bakheng Temple was one of the wonders of ancient Cambodia and became a popular tourist attraction throughout the kingdom.

 

What is Bakheng?

Bakheng is a temple located in the Angkor area of Cambodia. The temple was built in the 9th century and served as a Hindu place of worship. In its heyday, Bakheng was one of the largest temples in Southeast Asia. Today, the temple is in ruins, but it remains a popular tourist destination.

 

Why was it Built?

No one knows for sure why Bakheng Temple was built, but there are a few theories. One is that it was built as a Hindu temple to honor the god Shiva. Another is that it was a Buddhist temple, meant to be a place of worship and meditation. And finally, some believe that it was simply a royal palace, meant to be a grand home for the king and his family.

 

The Architectural Design

The first thing that strikes you about Bakheng Temple is its architectural design. The temple is designed in the shape of a lotus flower, with eight petals and a central spire. The petals represent the eightfold path of Buddhism, and the central spire represents the Buddha himself. The whole structure is built on a series of terraces, which were once used for elephant rides.

 

What are the Hidden Symbols?

The Bakheng temple is a stunning structure with many hidden symbols. These symbols have been debated by historians for years, but there are some that believe they can decipher what they mean. The most popular theory is that the temple was built to symbolize the Buddhist universe. The five towers represent the five elements, while the lotus ponds and gardens represent nirvana.

 

Recent Controversies Surrounding the Temple

In recent years, Bakheng Temple has been at the center of a number of controversies. In 2016, a group of conservationists filed a lawsuit against the Apsara Authority, alleging that the Authority had failed to properly protect the temple from development. The lawsuit was eventually settled, but it brought attention to the issue of development around the temple. In 2018, another controversy erupted when it was revealed that a company had been given permission to build a hotel on land adjacent to the temple. The construction of the hotel has not begun, but it has caused concern among those who worry about the impact it will have on the temple.