SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA, February 27, 2002: After the Khmer Rouge laid down their arms in Cambodia, the ancient Angkor complex that was built between the 9th and 14th century by the Khmer Kings became available for exploration by tourists and religious seekers. This article written by news correspondent David Richie delves into the wonders of some 30 temples that have been cleared in the jungle and can be visited. Of special interest to Hindus is a temple dedicated to Lord Siva. Built in the 10th century and located 20 km from Bayon, the impressive structure built of red sandstone has been well preserved and houses intricate carvings of deities. Also Hindus would marvel at “The River of a Thousand Lingas” at Kobal Spien. After an hour-long hike, the site reveals lots of “smallish linga-shaped stones” right in the river surrounded by deities of Vishnu, Rama, Lakshmi, and Hanuman. At Preah Khan, the Temple of the Sacred Sword built in 1191, 500 Hindu deities were once worshipped during 20 major festivals. Now the site houses birds, cicadas, and lizards. To bring the vastness of the complex into perspective, the size was compared to the area covered by inner Washington D.C.
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