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Anghkor Vat

The Wat is probably the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its development, initially as a Hindu temple, dedicated to the incarnate Vishnu, then evolving into the first Buddhist [Theravada Buddhist] religious stronghold of the Khmer controlled region when the temple was known as Preah Pisnulok. Under the southern tower is a statue of Vishnu, known as Ta Reach, which may originally have occupied the temple's central shrine. The original inner Angkor Wat temple was designed with five towers, laid out in the pattern of a five spot die face, these towers are in the stylised shape of lotus buds, to represent Mount Meru the home of the gods of Hindu mythology. Later three concentric galleried temples were added, an outer wall added and a moat constructed around them all. The moat extends over two miles (3.5km) long and enclosing a space of over 200 acres (about 820,000sq.m). Angkor Wat has required considerable [internationally funded] restoration efforts, mainly in the 20th century, for the removal of accumulated earth and rampant vegetation. On the eastern gallery is one of the most celebrated scenes, known as 'The Churning of the Sea of Milk', showing over 90 Asuras and a great number of devas using the serpent Vasuki (Naga) to churn the sea under Vishnu's orchestration. This is followed by a scene showing Vishnu defeating Asuras ( Groups of bad power-seeking deities, loosely referred to as demons). The northern gallery shows Krishna's victory over Bana and a battle between the Hindu gods and Asuras. The north-west and south-west corner pavilions both feature much smaller-scale scenes, mostly unidentifiable but probably from the 'Ramayana' or the life of Krishna. The temple is admired today for the sheer grandeur and aesthetic pleasure of the architecture with its extensive bas-relief and numerous devatas adorning its walls. Most of the damage to the buildings is due to the forces of nature. There are obvious signs of recent and ongoing restoration and due to the massive increase in tourism over the preceding decade there is strict control over access to the whole area of Angkor Wat. Unfortunately for us the upper level was inaccessible as the administrators were having new stairways installed and carrying out major renovations to two of the towers on the upper level. Unlike most Khmer temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west rather than the east and has generated scholarly debate searching for the reason for many years, without firm conclusion. One theory being that Angkor Wat is part of an earthly representation of the constellation Draco, but what significance can be drawn form this is still a mystery! Visitors to Cambodia require a visitor visa. This is best applied for in the country of origin from the Cambodian Embassy, on production of two passport sized colour photos and the correct fee (Thailand $20 US - 2007). The visa is also available at the border or upon landing by air but the price is considerably inflated (even more so if you don't have ID photos).

Angkor VAT

Angkor Wat (Angkor Vat), its original name unknown, is Cambodia's premier visitor attraction, with an average of around three thousand visitors a day, coming from all around the world. The temple at Angkor was built for the 12th century king of the Khmer, Suryavarman the second, 1113 - 1150 AD, as his state capital city and main temple. The main temple was built in the high classical style of Khmer architecture, based on Indian architecture of the era, and although incomplete as construction ceased on the king's death, Angkor Wat is recognised around the world as Cambodia's 'Jewel in the crown' if not the international symbol of Cambodia its self, a source of great national pride, even appearing on the national flag!

What is Good Friday?"

Question: "What is Good Friday?"
Answer: Good Friday is the Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday. It is celebrated traditionally as the day on which Jesus was crucified. If you are interested in a study of the issue, please see our article that discusses the various views on which day Jesus was crucified. Assuming that Jesus was crucified and died on a Friday, should Christians remember Jesus' death by celebrating Good Friday?

The Bible does not instruct Christians to remember Christ’s death by honoring a certain day. The Bible does give us freedom in these matters, however. Romans 14:5 tells us, “One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” Rather than remembering Christ's death on a certain day, once a year, the Bible instructs us to remember Christ’s death by observing the Lord’s Supper. First Corinthians 11:24-26 declares, “...do this in remembrance of me...for whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.”

Why is Good Friday referred to as “good”? What the Jewish authorities and Romans did to Jesus was definitely not good (see Matthew chapters 26-27). However, the results of Christ’s death are very good! Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” First Peter 3:18 tells us, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.”

Many Christian churches celebrate Good Friday with a subdued service, usually in the evening, in which Christ’s death is remembered with solemn hymns, prayers of thanksgiving, a message centered on Christ suffering for our sakes, and observance of the Lord's Supper. Whether or not Christians choose to “celebrate” Good Friday, the events of that day should be ever on our minds because the death of Christ on the cross is the paramount event of the Christian faith.

Though Jesus was innocent, Pilate could not do justice and afraid of his position and handed over Jesus to be crucified as it is written in the books of Isaiah.. So dying on the cross He showed us the way, how to live our life even in misery. When Jesus died, there were dark clouds, earth shook, many good people who died came out of their tombs and appeared to many. Death on the cross is meant defeat of satan. So it is called "Good Friday".