What was Angkor Wat originally built as?

Angkor Wat was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu.

The temple complex was constructed in the early 12th century during the reign of Khmer king Suryavarman II, whose capital was Angkor in present-day Cambodia. Its towers, galleries, and bas-reliefs reflect Khmer architecture and Hindu religious imagery.

Angkor Wat was later transformed into a Buddhist religious site, which helps explain why it is sometimes described simply as a Buddhist temple. Buddhist use continued for centuries, and many visitors today encounter both Hindu and Buddhist features in the monument.

The central towers symbolize Mount Meru, the sacred cosmic mountain in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The site’s enormous moat and outer enclosure reinforce its symbolic design. Angkor Wat remains Cambodia’s best-known monument and appears on the national flag.