Discovering the Highlights of Angkor: Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm
探索吴哥的亮点：吴哥窟、巴戎寺和塔普伦寺
Introduction
On the final leg of my recent adventure around Southeast Asia, I found myself standing at the gateway to one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world—Angkor in Cambodia. My journey had already taken me through Malaysia, Thailand, and Laos, but the temples of Angkor promised something different: a glimpse into the grandeur of an ancient civilization that once dominated this region. Join me as I explore several of the most iconic temples in Angkor, each with its own unique story and design. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture or archaeology enthusiast, or simply a traveler seeking the extraordinary, these temples will leave you spellbound.
介绍
在我最近东南亚探险的最后一站，我站在世界上最令人敬畏的考古遗址之一——柬埔寨吴哥的入口。我已经穿越了马来西亚、泰国和老挝，但吴哥的寺庙承诺带来不同的体验：一瞥曾经统治这一地区的古代文明的辉煌。和我一起探索吴哥的几座最具标志性的寺庙，每座寺庙都有其独特的故事和设计。不论你是历史爱好者、建筑或考古学的狂热爱好者，还是仅仅是寻求非凡体验的旅行者，这些寺庙都会让你叹为观止。
Angkor Wat: The Pinnacle of Khmer Architecture
吴哥窟：高棉建筑的巅峰之作
History
Angkor Wat, constructed in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and served as the king's state temple and mausoleum. This monumental structure represents Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods, and is famous for its intricate bas-reliefs depicting Hindu epics and the king’s military victories, as well as its grand scale and architectural precision. Over time, as the Khmer Empire waned and Buddhism became more prevalent, Angkor Wat transformed into a Buddhist temple. Rediscovered by French explorers in the 19th century, it has since been extensively restored and is now a symbol of Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.
历史
吴哥窟由苏利耶跋摩二世国王在12世纪早期建造，最初是献给印度教神毗湿奴的，并作为国王的国家寺庙和陵墓。这座宏伟的建筑代表了神话中诸神的居所——须弥山，以其精美的浅浮雕、描绘的印度教史诗和国王的军事胜利、以及宏大的规模和建筑精度而闻名。随着高棉帝国的衰落和佛教的普及，吴哥窟逐渐转变为佛教寺庙。19世纪，法国探险家重新发现了吴哥窟，自此以来，它得到了广泛的修复，现在是柬埔寨丰富文化遗产的象征。
Design
Angkor Wat is a stunning example of classical Khmer architecture. It’s designed to represent Mount Meru, the home of the gods in Hindu mythology. The temple is known for its grand scale, perfect proportions, and intricate carvings. The central tower, standing at 65 meters, is surrounded by four smaller towers, symbolizing the five peaks of Mount Meru. The extensive bas-reliefs depict various Hindu myths and historical events, making it both a religious and artistic masterpiece.
One of Angkor Wat's most unique features is its orientation. Unlike most temples, which face east, Angkor Wat faces west, which has led to much speculation about its symbolism. Some believe it was meant to serve as a funerary temple. Another standout feature is the extensive moat surrounding the temple, symbolizing the cosmic ocean.
设计
吴哥窟是古典高棉建筑的惊人典范。它的设计代表了印度教神话中的神之居所——须弥山。该寺庙以其宏大的规模、完美的比例和精美的雕刻而闻名。中央塔高65米，周围环绕着四座较小的塔，象征着须弥山的五个峰顶。广泛的浅浮雕描绘了各种印度教神话和历史事件，使其成为一座宗教与艺术的杰作。
吴哥窟最独特的特征之一是它的朝向。与大多数面朝东的寺庙不同，吴哥窟面朝西，这引发了许多关于其象征意义的猜测。有些人认为它旨在作为一个葬祭寺庙。另一个突出特点是环绕寺庙的广阔护城河，象征着宇宙之海。
Bayon: The Temple of Smiling Faces
巴戎寺：微笑之脸的寺庙
History
Bayon, one of the most enigmatic and richly decorated temples of the Angkor complex, was built in the late 12th to early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII, a ruler known for his devout Mahayana Buddhist beliefs and his extensive building projects. The temple served as the official state temple of the king’s new capital, Angkor Thom. Bayon stands out for its multitude of serene and smiling stone faces, believed to represent either the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara or the king himself. Following Jayavarman VII's reign, the temple underwent modifications by subsequent Hindu and Theravada Buddhist kings, reflecting the religious shifts within the Khmer Empire. Rediscovered by French explorers in the late 19th century, Bayon today is a testament to the architectural ingenuity and spiritual depth of the Khmer civilization.
历史
巴戎寺是吴哥窟群中最神秘且装饰最丰富的寺庙之一，由苏利耶跋摩七世国王在12世纪末至13世纪初建造。这位国王以其虔诚的大乘佛教信仰和广泛的建筑项目而闻名。巴戎寺作为新首都吴哥城的官方国家寺庙，以其众多宁静微笑的石像面孔而著称，这些面孔被认为代表菩萨观音或国王本人。在苏利耶跋摩七世统治之后，寺庙经过了后续印度教和上座部佛教国王的改建，反映了高棉帝国内部的宗教变迁。19世纪末被法国探险家重新发现的巴戎寺，如今是高棉文明建筑才智和精神深度的见证。
Design
Bayon is famous for its unique combination of Buddhist and Hindu iconography and its multitude of serene and smiling stone faces on its many towers. The temple has 54 towers, each originally adorned with four faces, totaling 216 faces. The central tower rises 43 meters high, dominating the skyline of Angkor Thom.
设计
巴戎寺以其独特的佛教和印度教象征以及众多宁静微笑的石像面孔而闻名。寺庙有54座塔，每座塔原本装饰有四张面孔，总计216张面孔。中央塔高43米，主导着吴哥城的天际线。这些面孔被认为象征着慈悲和守护，给人以深刻的印象，使巴戎寺成为一个兼具精神意义和建筑美感的地方。
The enigmatic smiling faces are believed to represent Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, or perhaps a combination of Buddha and the king himself. The temple’s intricate bas-reliefs depict scenes from everyday life, historical events, and mythological tales.
设计
巴戎寺的神秘微笑面孔被认为代表着观音菩萨，或许是佛陀与国王本人的结合。寺庙的复杂浅浮雕描绘了日常生活场景、历史事件和神话故事。这些雕刻展示了高棉文明的丰富文化和艺术成就，使巴戎寺不仅是一个宗教圣地，更是一个反映历史和生活的艺术宝库。
Ta Prohm: The Jungle Temple
塔普伦寺：丛林中的寺庙
History
Constructed in the late 12th to early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII, Ta Prohm was originally built as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university. Dedicated to the king's mother, this temple was part of a grand plan to transform the Angkor region into a bustling center of Buddhist learning and worship. Ta Prohm is unique among Angkorian temples for its semi-ruined state, intentionally left that way to maintain the atmospheric fusion of nature and architecture. Enormous trees and their sprawling roots have become an integral part of the temple's structure, creating a stunning, almost surreal landscape that captivates visitors. Rediscovered in the 19th century by French explorers, Ta Prohm has since been preserved as a picturesque ruin, famous for its evocative and photogenic scenery.
历史
塔普伦寺由苏利耶跋摩七世国王在12世纪末至13世纪初建造，最初作为大乘佛教的寺院和大学。此寺庙是国王为其母亲所建的一部分宏伟计划，旨在将吴哥地区转变为一个繁忙的佛教学习和崇拜中心。塔普伦寺在吴哥寺庙中独树一帜，因为它保留了半废墟的状态，故意保持这种状态以维持自然与建筑的融合氛围。巨大的树木及其蔓延的根系已成为寺庙结构的一个组成部分，创造出一个令人惊叹、几乎超现实的景观，吸引着无数游客。19世纪被法国探险家重新发现后，塔普伦寺作为一处风景如画的遗址得以保存，以其富有感染力和极具摄影价值的景象而闻名。
Design
Ta Prohm was originally designed as a grand Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university, reflecting the architectural style of late 12th to early 13th century Khmer temples. The temple complex is vast, featuring a series of interconnected towers, courtyards, and narrow corridors. Central to its design is the towering central sanctuary, surrounded by smaller shrines and enclosures, all adorned with intricate carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Buddhist themes and figures. The layout of Ta Prohm is cruciform, with gates at each cardinal direction, symbolizing the cosmological order. The temple was also designed with an extensive outer enclosure and moat, emphasizing its significance and grandeur within the Khmer Empire.
设计
塔普伦寺最初设计为一个宏伟的大乘佛教寺院和大学，反映了12世纪末至13世纪初高棉寺庙的建筑风格。寺庙群落庞大，拥有一系列相互连接的塔楼、庭院和狭窄的走廊。设计的核心是高耸的中央圣殿，周围环绕着较小的神殿和围栏，所有这些都装饰着精美的雕刻和浅浮雕，描绘了佛教主题和人物。塔普伦寺的布局呈十字形，每个方向都有门，象征着宇宙秩序。寺庙还设计了广泛的外围围墙和护城河，突显其在高棉帝国中的重要性和宏伟。
Conclusion
Visiting Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm is like stepping into a time machine that transports you to the height of the Khmer Empire, where architectural brilliance and spiritual devotion converge. Angkor Wat's grandeur, Bayon's enigmatic smiling faces, and Ta Prohm's mystical, tree-entwined ruins each offer a unique and unforgettable experience. But don't stop there! The Angkor Archaeological Park is filled with many more hidden gems waiting to be discovered, from the serene beauty of Preah Khan to the island charm of Neak Pean. So, lace up your walking shoes, hire a friendly local driver, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of Angkor's ancient temples—it's a journey you won't soon forget. Happy exploring!
结论
参观吴哥窟、巴戎寺和塔普伦寺就像踏入一台时光机，带你回到高棉帝国的鼎盛时期，那里建筑的辉煌与精神的奉献交汇在一起。吴哥窟的宏伟壮丽、巴戎寺神秘的微笑面孔以及塔普伦寺神秘的树木缠绕遗迹，每一个都提供了独特且难忘的体验。但不要止步于此！吴哥考古公园中还有许多隐藏的宝藏等待着被发现，从普利坎的宁静之美到涅盘的岛屿魅力。穿上你的步行鞋，雇一位友善的本地司机，沉浸在吴哥古老寺庙的令人惊叹的世界中——这是一次你不会很快忘记的旅程。祝你探索愉快！