Preh Vihier Temple, Cambodia Image Credit Source: Andrea Pistlesi/Stone/Getty Images
Preh Vihear Temple, Cambodia: Cambodia is world famous for its rich cultural heritage and ancient temples. Among the giant temple group like Ankorwat, another magnificent temple stands in Cambodia which is known for its unique geographical location and grandeur. Whose name is Preh Vihier Temple. This temple dedicated to Shiva is not only an excellent example of Cambodian architecture, but its fame and importance extends to Thailand. The forces of Thailand and Cambodia are again face to face with their rights over this temple. Let us understand the mythological history of this temple.
Unique temple located on the hill peak
Preh Vihier Temple is situated on the 525 meter high of the Dangrek mountains on the border of Cambodia and Thailand. Its unique state its unique situation separates it from other temples. The entrance of the temple opens towards Thailand in the north, while most of it is in the Cambodian region. This place not only holds religious significance, but has also been important from a strategic perspective, due to which there was a dispute between the two countries for decades.
Architecture and expansion
The temple was built between the 11th and 12th centuries during the reign of many Khmer kings, especially Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II. Preh Vihier is built in a straight line, which has five gopuram (entry pavilion) and many courtyards, which gradually move upwards.
Gopuram: Each gopuram is made of carved stone and Hindu reflects scenes of mythology. Passing through these gopuram, devotees go on a holy journey, which takes them to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
Roads and Stairs: There are a long, climbing road and stairs to reach the temple, which makes it even more grand. It seems as if this structure is moving towards heaven.
Dedicated to Bholenath: The main sanctum sanctorum of the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are many Shivling and idols of other Hindu deities installed here, which reflect the Khmer Empire’s deep faith in Hinduism.
Grandiness and controversy spread to Thailand
The geographical location of Preh Vihier has tied it in a complex relationship with Thailand. For centuries, it has also been an important religious place for the people of Thailand. Its beauty and purity has also given it a prestigious place in the border areas of Thailand. However, there has been a long and often violent border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand over the ownership of the temple. In 1962, the International Court of Court ruled that the temple is located in the Cambodian region. Despite this, tension between the two countries still remains today.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Due to its extraordinary architecture, historical importance and unique place, the Preh Vihier Temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. This declaration underlines the global importance of the temple and emphasizes the need to preserve it for future generations.
Tourism and importance
Today Preh Vihier Temple has become a major attraction not only for devotees but also for those interested in history, architecture and archeology. The Government of Cambodia has developed facilities for tourists by developing this area.