Angkor Wat Central Sanctuary, Angkor, Cambodia

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Central Sanctuary tower, Angkor Wat
Copyright © Timothy Tye.

Angkor Wat Central Sanctuary
Cambodia

Central Sanctuary is the very heart of Angkor Wat. This is the uppermost level of Angkor Wat. Within the central santuary are the five towers, or prasat that give Angkor Wat its distinctive appearance. Standing at the base of the central sanctuary and looking up, visitors can imagine that the temple really appears like a great and towering mountain.

Very steep steps rises to the doorway of the central santuary. Although the steps are only 11 meters high, their steepness make a climb not for the faint-hearted. Unlike the lower levels, the central sanctuary of Angkor Wat is devoid of the ornate bas-reliefs. Only carvings of apsaras are apparent. No two looking exactly alike, these dancing nymphs grace the walls and columns of the central sanctuary.




The Central Sanctuary rises like a mountain
Copyright © Timothy Tye.



Approaching the inner sanctuary
Copyright © Timothy Tye.



The idols within the inner part of the Central Sanctuary are all recent additions
Copyright © Timothy Tye.




View from the Central Sanctuary of Angkor Wat
Copyright © Timothy Tye.



Another view of the Central Sanctuary
Copyright © Timothy Tye.



A statue of a seated buddha under the shade of a seven-headed naga, within the Central Sanctuary
Copyright © Timothy Tye.




Tourists climbing up the steep steps of the Central Sanctuary
Copyright © Timothy Tye.