The glorious ancient ruins of Cambodia have something to transfix everyone... For some, Angkor Wat is the most captivating, with its huge five great central towers, especially when seen in the glow of the setting sun... For others, the highlight is the enigmatic Bayon with the dozens of magestic mysterious faces carved into its towers; or the exquisite Ta Phrom temple, exciting and evasive in the embrace of entwining trees and vines.
But there is still more. Thirteen kilometers northeast of Angkor Thom is the isolated and lesser known temple of Banteay Srei "Citadel of Women"...sitting alone in the countryside.... it is small in scale and size, compared to the others, but it is elegant and nestled into a forest backdrop. To some it may be the most beautiful temple of them all.... Banteay Srei is the most intricately carved of all temples at Angkor.... with interwoven motifs of interlocked flowers and leaves, complex geometric patterns and carved scenes from Hindu and Buddhist history and culture. Banteay Srei was built in the year 967 AD, during the reign of King Rajendravarman. Built of pink sandstone instead of the grey stone that dominates the other Angkor temples.
It is hard to compare the different temples as each is wonderful, each is different and each has its own unique qualities...I guess comparing the different temples is like trying to compare your children...
I think you're right... you can't really compare. There's something striking about each one in their own way... and some may better suit your likes and dislikes... but they all have a kind of beauty.
ReplyDelete