Cambodia's Angkor Wat temple becomes the world's eighth wonder, beats Italy's Pompeii

Angkor Wat set up as a Hindu temple dedicated to God Vishnu and eventually developed into a major Buddhist temple. 

The Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia's northern province of Krong Siem Reap has surpassed Pompeii in Italy to become the world's eighth wonder. 

The title of "Eighth Wonder of the World" is at times used to describe buildings, structures, projects, designs, which are equivalent to the World's Seven Wonders. 

Every year, tens of thousands of devotees from all over the world visit the Angkor Wat temple. It is the world's largest religious monument, with 1,200 square metres of intricately carved bas reliefs. 

Angkor Wat is also the world's largest religious structure, according to Guinness World Records. 

The Khmer Emperor Suryavarman II built Angkor Wat as a Hindu temple in the 12th century. The temple was dedicated to Lord Vishnu before being gradually converted into a major Buddhist temple by his successor, Jayavarman VII, who also built the nearby Bayon Buddhist temple. 

Fascinating facts about Angkor Wat temple 

A curious fact about Angkor Wat is that it is also known as Yasodharapura. 

Angkor is derived from nokor, a Khmer word that means "kingdom," which is derived from the Sanskrit word nagara, which means "city." 

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has established a comprehensive programme to protect this historic site and its surroundings. 

People also flock to Angkor Wat to see the sunrise over its magnificent towers. As dawn breaks, the temple is bathed in pink, orange, and gold hues, creating a breathtaking sight. 

Architectural brilliance 

What makes Angkor Wat so amazing is its architect. Sandstone blocks are used to construct the building. 

Much of the fortification, which defended the city, temple, and people from invasion, is still in place. It was a 15-foot-tall wall encircled by a broad moat. 

Numerous bas-reliefs feature Hindu and Buddhist deities and figures. Important moments in its narrative tradition are also depicted on the temple walls. 

A masterpiece of symmetry and accuracy, the central temple complex features five lotus-shaped towers that symbolise Mount Meru, the mythological home of the gods in Buddhist and Hindu mythology.