Final answer:
The Temple of Angkor Wat was initially dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu and later converted to a Buddhist temple. It represents a significant element of Khmer architecture and is a crucial aspect of Cambodia's cultural heritage, now serving as a major international tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Temple of Angkor Wat is a significant historical and religious structure originally built as a temple dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu during the Khmer Empire between 1113 and 1150. Emblematic of Cambodia, Angkor Wat was initially a Hindu temple that got converted into a Buddhist temple.
The site is celebrated for its magnificent size, architectural complexity, and the intricate bas-reliefs that ornament its walls. It represents a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and is symbolic of the religious and social functions of the empire's time, as it served as a place of worship, a funerary complex, and at times the political center of the rulers.
The Khmer Empire produced many temples and monuments, with Angkor Wat being the most famous, depicting the authority of the kings, who were seen as incarnations of Vishnu. In the 12th century, Angkor Wat served as a state temple and capital city of King Suryavarman II. Later transformations reflect the adherence to and convergence with Buddhist traditions, particularly under the rule of King Jayavarman VII. Despite its conversion to Buddhism, Hindu motifs and iconography remain prevalent throughout the complex.
Today, Angkor Wat is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of tourists from around the world. It is a testament to the grandeur of the Khmer architectural legacy and continues to be a vital symbol of Cambodian national pride, depicted on the country's flag, currency, and stamps.