Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the world’s largest religious structure by land area.
The temple was built in the early twelfth century during the reign of Khmer king Suryavarman II. It was originally dedicated to Vishnu, unlike many later Khmer temples that were primarily associated with Shiva or Buddhist worship.
Angkor Wat served as a state temple and mausoleum, and its extensive bas-reliefs portray Hindu mythology, royal processions, and historical scenes. A vast moat and outer enclosure surround the central sanctuary, which is arranged around five towers symbolizing Mount Meru.
The site gradually became an important Buddhist center and remains active as a place of worship. It is often used as a synonym for the wider Angkor archaeological park, but Angkor is the larger historic region containing many separate temples.