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November 29, 2010 | China finances restoration of historic Shiva temple in Cambodia |
Nevada (US): Hindus have applauded China for reportedly financing
the restoration of deteriorating Ta Keo Hindu temple in Cambodia’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor temple complex, which began on November 27. Restoration
will
take about six million dollars and eight years to complete. People's Republic
of China also assisted in the restoration (2000-2008) of 12th century Hindu temple
in Angkor named Chausay Tevada, costing about two million dollars, reports suggest.
Said to be built entirely of sandstones by kings Jayavarman V and Suryavarman
I in late 10-early 11th century, Ta Keo (Preah Keo) is a pyramid of five levels.
Fragments of pedestals and lingas are found in/around its towers. Its primary
deity is said to be Shiva. At the foot of the eastern stairways, there is a statue
of kneeling Nandi, which indicates that Ta Keo was a Shaivite temple. Distinguished
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that more
needed to be done to safeguard the Angkor temple complex and its surroundings
and deteriorating bas-reliefs; save it from vandalism and looting; put some controls
on unchecked tourism; check the demand for water table which could undermine the
stability of sandy soils under the temples. Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal
Society of Hinduism, also urged UNESCO World Heritage Convention and
Cambodia
government to provide more funding for the upkeep of the temple complex and spend
more than half the ticket revenue on the temples. He commended China for
bankrolling
the restoration of historic Hindu temples. Angkor Archaeological Park contains
magnificent remains of over 1000 temples going back to ninth century, spread over
about 400 square kilometers, and receives about three million visitors annually.
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