Angkor Pool
Big on water, the builders of Angkor incorporated pools in every temple. While the one shown here is larger and deeper than most every temple sports long dormant fountains and ponds. These four pools in Angkor Wat were used for cleansing and purification of pilgrims before they went to the 2nd floor to meditate. The pilgrims had to know what their element sign was first, so they could use specific pools for washing away their sins. Each pool represented a different element. Earth, water, air and fire.
Most Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers, whose Angkor Empire extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. Subsequently, attacks by the Thai and Cham (from present-day Vietnam) weakened the ... ... read more 
