Angkor Wat in Cambodia was originally commissioned for the King Suryavarman II early on in the 12^th Century.  This Vishnu temple and its surroundings became the capital city of Cambodia and state temple.  It fell under Buddhist influence during the thirteenth century.  Today Angkor Wat is one of the best preserved 12^th century temples of its kind.

The word Angkor is derived from the Sanskirt work ‘nagar’ which translated means city and ‘wat’ is Sanskrit for temple.  In total the site of the temple spreads over ninety-seven square kilometers of land.  Structurally the Hindu temple looks like a giant pyramid and magnificent balustrades in the shape of huge serpents adorn the main entrance. 

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