<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\nIn 1243, when King Jaya-varman VIII<\/em> ascended the throne, he proceeded to a systematic defacing of Buddhist sculptures in the temple, crudely altering them into Hindu images. The crude altering is visible at Preah Khan<\/em>, and Ta Prohm<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>Theravada Buddhism – <\/strong><\/em>End of 13th century<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\nTheravada<\/em> Buddhism from Sri Lanka was introduced in 1295 by King Sindra<\/em>. It became more prominent in the royal court, and the local people, thus becoming the dominant religion in Cambodia today. Unlike Mahayan<\/em>a, the teaching of Theravada<\/em> Buddhism taught people to seek self their own enlightenment, to abandon worldly desires, and to acquire merits by giving food to monks\u2014making donations to pagodas and worshipping the Buddha. With this teaching, the attitudes of the people towards its Hindu gods and god-king changed, leading to the gradual weakening of the Khmer empire, and it\u2019s eventual collapse in the first half of 15th century. Today, Angkor is a pilgrimage site for many Buddhist Monks. They are often seen in the Angkor complex adorning orange robes while strolling around Angkor amid other tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>Neak Ta<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\nNeak Ta<\/em> is omnipresent guardian spirits of the land and water that populates the supernatural world of the Cambodian countryside. They are not just a kind of simple spirit, but rather a phenomenon or energy force that protects a village community. In Cambodia, they are revered everywhere, along with Buddhism.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEvery village, pagoda and house have their own Neak Ta<\/em> residing in a beautifully decorated little shrine, where people come to make offerings and pray. Neak Ta<\/em> shrines usually contain small collections of natural or man-made objects such as old stones, wooden carvings, human-like figures and other objects that represent land and spirit elements. Uniquely Cambodian, the energy force or guardian spirit of Neak Ta<\/em>, unites the community with its earth and water and symbolises the link between the people and the fertility of their land and their ancestors before them. Neak Ta<\/em> does not fall within the Buddhist precepts. It is believed to belong to an \u2018outside realm\u2019, but lives alongside Buddhism in Cambodia \u2013like Buddhism, it does not tolerate unsuitable conduct within the grounds, such as offensive language or act. Neak Ta<\/em> shrines can often be found in the northeast corner of the grounds of a pagoda.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/span>The Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat Cambodia<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\nAngkor Wat best time to go is between November and March, there\u2019s low rainfall, and reliable sunshine but with those perks come higher prices and heavier crowds. Considered dry season, the \u2018greeneries\u2019, are not as lush, and the air can get dusty due to the dry earth. The \u2018green season\u2019 or \u2018wet season\u2019 (June-October) offers lighter crowds, lower prices and lush photogenic landscapes. Explore early to avoid afternoon showers.<\/p>\n\n\n
<\/span>Angkor Wat Sunrise or Sunset Viewing<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n