The Sacred Summit: Ascending to Angkor Wat's Second Floor Sanctuary

#cambodiatrip To climb to the second floor of Angkor Wat's central building is to undertake a profound journey, both physically and spiritually. This elevated tier, known as the Bakan, represents the sacred inner sanctum, the Mount Meru of the temple's cosmological symbolism, and the closest mortals could physically approach the divine realm within this vast stone universe. Unlike the bustling grandeur of the outer galleries or the intricate narratives of the first-level bas-reliefs, the second floor offers a space of concentrated sanctity, breathtaking vistas, and an almost palpable sense of ascending into a rarified atmosphere. The ascent itself is significant. Steep, narrow staircases, deliberately designed to force humility and require effort, lead upwards. Climbing them is a physical act mirroring the spiritual striving towards enlightenment. Emerging onto the second level gallery, one is immediately struck by a shift in perspective and ambiance. The sprawling outer complex falls away, replaced by a more intimate, enclosed courtyard space defined by the continuous cruciform cloister that runs around the perimeter. This gallery, while still grand, feels quieter, more focused inward. Its outer walls are punctuated by rows of elegant windows with balustered columns, filtering the intense Cambodian sunlight and casting intricate patterns on the sandstone floor. Within the sheltered walkway, the atmosphere is one of hushed reverence, amplified by the pervasive presence of devatas (goddesses) and apsaras (celestial dancers). These divine beings adorn almost every pillar, lintel, and wall surface. Unlike the large-scale battle scenes below, the second-floor artistry is characterized by exquisite, smaller-scale carvings of immense detail and grace. Hundreds of devatas, each subtly unique in posture, expression, and intricate jewelry, gaze serenely upon visitors. Their slight smiles and poised stances project an aura of eternal calm and celestial beauty. Interspersed are dynamic apsaras, captured mid-dance, their flowing garments and ornate headdresses seemingly frozen in a moment of divine performance. This profusion of celestial imagery reinforces the floor's purpose: this is the domain of the gods, a place where the earthly realm meets the heavens. The true heart of the second floor, and indeed the entire temple, lies at its center: the towering quincunx of lotus-bud towers. The central tower, representing the summit of Mount Meru, is flanked by four slightly smaller towers at the cardinal points of the inner courtyard. Access to the very base of these towers is via further steep staircases leading up from the gallery level. Standing on the platform surrounding the central sanctuary is the culmination of the pilgrim's journey. The sheer scale and proximity of the towers are overwhelming; their intricate carvings, soaring height, and the play of light and shadow across their curved surfaces create an awe-inspiring spectacle. Historically, this innermost sanctuary was accessible only to the king and the highest priests. Today, visitors can circumambulate the base, peering into the darkened cella (inner chamber) that once housed the temple's primary deity, Vishnu (and later, Buddha images). The vistas offered from the second floor are unparalleled. Looking outwards, one gains a panoramic understanding of Angkor Wat's meticulously planned symmetry. The library buildings, the cruciform cloisters of the first floor, the expansive courtyards, and the outer walls and moat stretch towards the horizon, demonstrating the Khmer empire's architectural ambition and cosmological vision. Looking inwards, the focus remains on the central towers, a constant reminder of the sacred axis mundi. Experiencing the second floor is multi-sensory. The cooler air at this height provides respite. The dappled light filtering through the galleries creates shifting patterns. The relative quiet, compared to the lower levels, allows for contemplation. The texture of the ancient sandstone underfoot and the intricate details of the carvings at eye level demand close inspection. It’s a place where one feels the weight of centuries, the dedication of countless artisans, and the profound spiritual aspirations that conceived this mountain of stone. Ascending to Angkor Wat's second floor is not merely seeing another level; it is participating in an ancient ritual of approach, entering the sacred heart of a civilization's greatest monument, and standing, quite literally, at the gateway between earth and heaven. The effort of the climb dissolves in the face of the transcendent beauty and profound serenity found within this elevated sanctuary.