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The Thai Kingdom grew to prominence when rice was the regions most important currency. However, when Burmese troops sacked the city in 1767, the capital was moved to Bangkok. This move also signaled a shift from a purely agricultural society to one that was more in tune with commerce. The amazing Ta Prohm Cambodian Wat (vat) or temple in all it’s ancient glory is set to “La Mar”, world music and Latin jazz composed by Michael Pluznick and Joel Lindheimer. From the world jazz CD entitled, “Miles Dean”, available as a download on CD Baby. Unlike most of the temples of Angkor, Ta Prom has been largely left to the clutches of the living jungle. With its dynamic interaction between nature and man-made art, this atmospheric temple is a favorite for many – who can’t help but feel a little like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft (which was filmed here) as they pick through the rubble. Construction on Ta Prohm began in 1186 AD. Originally known as Rajavihara (Monastery of the King), Ta Prohm was dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII. A rare inscription at Ta Prohm provides statistics on the temple’s workers. Allowing for some exaggeration to honor the king, the inscription’s report of around 80,000 workersincluding 2700 officials and 615 dancers, is still astounding. Sadly, Ta Prohm was looted quite heavily in recent years due to its relative isolation, and many of its ancient stone reliquaries have been lost. Dating from the 12th century, Bayon Temple is the spectacular central temple of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. The complex is located just to the north of the famous Angkor WatBuilt around 1190 AD by King Jayavarman VII, Bayon is a Buddhist temple but it incorporates elements of Hindu cosmology. Angkor Thom was built as a square, the sides of which run exactly north to south and east to west. Standing in the exact center of the walled city, Bayon Temple represents the intersection of heaven and earth. Bayon is known for its huge stone faces of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, with one facing outward and keeping watch at each compass point. The curious smiling image, thought by many to be a portrait of Jayavarman himself, has been dubbed by some the “Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia.” There are 51 smaller towers surrounding Bayon, each with four faces of its own. As you have probably noticed, I love to travel and I love both the city and the deep jungle and nature. When I am in Asia, one of my favorite traveling destinations, I love to go to the wats or temples of Thailand. 
At the wat, everyone is accepted and can find peace and solstice even in crowded and noisy Bangkok. The temples are often large and elaborate and have amazing architecture some say has been borrowed from outher nearby countries as well.  Thai temple art There are also small temples or shrines at almost every street corner or business and you can be walking outside the largest mall complex and then you will see an outdoor temple! It seems like no expense was spared in the design and architecture of Thailand’s many Buddist temples.  beautiful temple statues |
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Copyright © 2010 Michael Pluznick - All Rights Reserved |
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