The Angkor Wat was built as a Hindu temple, supposedly dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Protector. Over many generations and time, the King’s descendants’ faith swayed towards Buddhism. So even though most of the main temple retains its Hindu characteristics, the new buildings in the complex are definitively Buddhist. As we were drifting around the compound, looking for a spot of shade, we chanced upon this Buddhist temple – plain and unadorned in comparison to the Angkor Wat, but a symbol of Cambodia’s present juxtaposed with its past.
Chofas are characteristic to Buddhist temples in and around Thailand – these horn-like roof ornaments are usually gilded in the Thai versions, but this one’s were rather modest; and three intact, one broken.
Read more about the Angkor Wat:
3 Weeks and a Shoestring 
So fascinating about the merging of Hinduism and Buddhism. Cambodia is predominantly Buddhist now isn’t it?
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Hi Zoe, yes, all Buddhist now. People there seemed very inclined towards religion.
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Cool, it’s strange here in Ho Chi Minh – so many people have no religion at all
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It’s so interesting to see religions mixed up in architecture. India also seems to have many examples of that, like the Qutb Minar complex.
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Embarrassed to admit this, but I need to read up on the Qutub Minar part – seem to have forgotten what I read in school.
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I don’t know too much about it, but the Qutb Minar itself has verses from the Quran carved into it, and the iron pillar, which is also in the complex, has text describing the greatness of a Hindu king (I think). You can actually see Islamic and Hindu architectural elements next to each other in the other buildings in the complex. Pretty fascinating, I think!
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