Mumbai: Perched high on the Dangrek Mountains, the Preah Vihear Temple is one of Southeast Asia’s most majestic and geopolitically sensitive heritage sites. Though often overshadowed by the grandeur of Angkor Wat, this ancient Shiva temple has carved its own identity—both as a symbol of Khmer architectural brilliance and as a recurring flashpoint in the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute. In July 2025, tensions have once again flared up, with both nations’ forces reportedly standing off near the site.
What makes Preah Vihear exceptional is not just its spiritual and historical significance, but its dramatic location. Towering 525 metres above sea level, it straddles the northern border of Cambodia, with its entrance facing Thailand. For decades, this unique position has made the site not just a religious landmark, but a strategic asset—fueling claims, counterclaims, and international interventions.
A Temple in the Clouds: Preah Vihear’s Location and Legacy
Located on the crest of the Dangrek mountain range, the Preah Vihear Temple sits right along the contentious border between Cambodia and Thailand. Though the temple’s entrance lies on the Thai side, the structure itself is mostly within Cambodian territory. This geographical peculiarity has elevated the temple’s importance from spiritual to strategic, sparking diplomatic and military standoffs over the years.
A Marvel of Khmer Architecture
Constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries under the reign of Khmer kings Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II, Preah Vihear was built in a linear form. It features five intricately carved gopurams (gateway towers), each representing different mythological scenes from Hindu lore. Devotees walking through these ceremonial gateways symbolically undertake a sacred journey toward the inner sanctum.
The temple complex rises in elevation as one moves toward the sanctum, giving a heavenly appearance. The ascent includes long stone stairways and roads, adding to the temple’s ethereal charm. The garbhagriha or sanctum is dedicated to Lord Shiva, with several stone Shivalingas and idols of other Hindu deities still preserved—testimony to the Khmer Empire’s deep devotion to Hinduism.
A Site of Faith—and Tension
Preah Vihear’s spiritual aura extends beyond Cambodia’s borders. For centuries, it has held religious significance for Thai Hindus as well. But its location has turned it into a disputed territory. Although the International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple lies within Cambodian jurisdiction, the issue has sparked repeated clashes, including violent ones in recent decades.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 2008, UNESCO declared the Preah Vihear Temple a World Heritage Site due to its unmatched architecture, historical legacy, and remarkable mountain-top setting. The designation highlighted the temple’s global importance and the urgency of its preservation.
A Cultural and Tourist Landmark
Today, Preah Vihear stands not only as a revered pilgrimage site but also as a top destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and archaeologists. The Cambodian government has improved infrastructure and tourist amenities in the area to accommodate growing interest from around the world.
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