Angkor Wat Temple (Combodia) is dedicated to which Hindu deity?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:

Angkor Wat, the magnificent temple complex in Cambodia, is primarily dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver god in the Hindu trimurti. Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, it was originally conceived as a state temple and ultimately his mausoleum. The temple's architecture and numerous bas-reliefs vividly depict stories from Hindu mythology, particularly those associated with Vishnu, such as the Churning of the Ocean of Milk (Samudra manthan). This dedication reflects the prevalence of Vaishnavism during that period in the Khmer Empire, even though the region later transitioned to Buddhism.

The incorrect option is 1:

Brahma is the creator god in Hinduism, and while highly revered, there are very few temples exclusively dedicated to him. He is often depicted in Hindu temples as part of the trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva), but major temples with him as the central deity are rare. Angkor Wat's extensive iconography and narratives consistently feature Vishnu, confirming its primary dedication.

The incorrect option is 3:

Shiva is the destroyer god and a prominent deity in Hinduism. Shaivism (the worship of Shiva) was also influential in Southeast Asia, and many temples in the region are dedicated to Shiva. However, despite the presence of some Shaivite elements or later additions, Angkor Wat's foundational design, orientation (facing west, traditionally associated with Vishnu), and dominant artistic themes clearly point to its Vaishnavite origins and dedication.

The incorrect option is 4:

Ganesha is the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune, and is widely worshipped in Hinduism. He is often invoked at the beginning of rituals and ventures. While Ganesha might be present in subsidiary shrines or as part of larger pantheons in Hindu temples, he is not the central deity to whom a grand temple complex like Angkor Wat would be exclusively dedicated. His prominence came later in Hindu devotional practices compared to the major deities like Vishnu and Shiva in earlier periods of temple construction in Southeast Asia.