THE LEGEND OF ANGKOR WAT
When history comes to life

24 November 2007 - 20 January 2008.
at Angkor Wat . Siem Reap, Cambodia

Enjoy the warmest Khmer hospitality as you begin this spectacular evening with a leisurely stroll along a traditional Khmer village market bustling with various folk performances, local delicacies, arts and handicrafts.

Angkor Wat will then explore in an extravagant display of lights, sounds, water screen, and other special effects. You will be transported back in history during a time when this ancient wonder of the world was once center of a powerful empire. Angkor Wat comes to life and becomes an enchanting backdrop for a great historical story-telling rendered through unique Apsara dances and contemporary Khmer performances.

Additionally, there will be a special celebration featuring the official national APSARA on stage with hundred of Cambodian performers amid an extravagance of lights and sounds. During the event, guests will take pleasure in a sumptuous dinner which promises to be a gastronomic delight.
 

Brief of Angkor Wat

The word "Angkor" is a derived Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language, of "Nagara" which means "City". Angkor Wat literally means "City turned into Buddhist Monastery". Regarded as the supreme masterpiece of Khmer architecture, the Temple of Angkor Wat was delicated to the Hindu God Vishnu by King Suryavarman II, who reigned between AD 1131 and 1150. The Temple was constructed over a period of 30 years, and illustrates some of the most beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu art.

Covering an area of about 81 hectares, the complex consists of five towers, which are presently shown on the Cambodian national flag. These towers are belived to represent the five peaks of Mount Meru, the Home of Gods and Center of the Hindu Universe. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls, narrating stories from Hindu Mythology.

A moat and three galleries encircle the five central shrines. From the west one approaches the first outer gallery over a long bridge over the moat. The first gallery has square pillars on the outer side and a closed wall on the inner side. The ceiling between the pillars is decorated with lotus rosettes; the closed wall is decorated with dancing figures. On the outside the inner wall is decorated with pillared windows, apsaras (heavenly nymphs) and dancing male figures on prancing animals. Apsaras are found on the walls of all galleries. From the first gallery a long avenue leads to the second gallery. This is reached via a raised platform with lions on both sides of a staircase. The inner walls of the second gallery contain continuous narrative relief. The western wall shows scenes from the Mahabharata. The third gallrey encloses the five shrines which are built on a raised terrace and are interconnected by galleries. Angkor Wat is undoubtedly the relics of the past Khmer Civilization.

For more information, please visit www.angkorwatshow.com