The outer wall corresponds to the mountains at the edge of the world, and the surrounding moat the oceans beyond. Its five towers correspond to the peaks of Meru. The central tower rises from the center of the monument symbolizing the mythical mountain, Meru, situated at the center of the universe. The long causeway at the entrance reappears on the other side of the entry pavilion.Īngkor Wat is a miniature replica of the universe in stone and represents an earthly model of the cosmic world. A smaller replica of the central towers was repeated at the limits of two prominent areas-the galleries and the entry pavilions. Roofs were frequently layered to add height, length or dimension. This arrangement was used to link one part of the monument to another. It was by combining two or more of these aspects that a sense of height was achieved. Galleries with columns, towers, curved roofs, tympanums, steps and the cross-shaped plan occur again and again. The steps to Angkor Wat are made to force a halt at beauteous obstruction that the mind may be prepared for the atmosphere of sanctity, she wrote In order to become familiar with the composition of Angkor Wat the visitor should learn to recognize the repetitive elements in the architecture. Helen Churchill Candee, who visited Angkor in the 1920s, thought their usefulness surpassed their architectural purpose. Steps provide access to the various levels. The scheme culminates in decorated tympanums with elaborate frames. Each row of tiles is capped with an end tile at right angles the ridge of the roof. It is a roof made of gracefully arched stone rectangles placed end to end. From a distance it looks like a series of long narrow ridges but close up from identifies itself. A curved sloping roof on galleries, chambers and aisles is a hallmark of Angkor Wat. Visitor should study the plan on page 86 and become familiar with this dominant layout. Many of the structures and courtyards are in the shape of a cross. They are not visible, for example, from the entrance. The ingenious plan of Angkor Wat only allows a view of all five towers from certain angles. The eye is drawn left and right to the horizontal aspect of the levels and upward to the soaring height of the towers. The overall profile imitates a lotus bud, Several architectural lines stand out in the profile of the monument. Graduated tiers, one rising above the other, give the towers a conical shape and, near the top, rows of lotuses taper to a point. This arrangement is sometimes called a quincunx. The third level supports five towers –four in the corners and one in the middle and these is the most prominent architectural feature of Angkor Wat. The height of Angkor Wat from the ground to the top of the central tower is greater than it might appear: 213 meters (699 feet), achieved with three rectangular or square levels (1-3) Each one is progressively smaller and higher than the one below starting from the outer limits of the temple.Ĭovered galleries with columns define the boundaries of the first and second levels. From a distance Angkor Wat appears to be a colossal mass of stone on one level with a long causeway leading to the center but close up it is a series of elevated towers, covered galleries, chambers, porches and courtyards on different levels linked by stairways. Its complexity and beauty both attract and distract one's attention. The plan of Angkor Wat is difficult to grasp when walking through the monument because of the vastness.
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