ASI to renovate Khmer empire temple at Thai-Cambodian border

Bangkok, Nov 20 (UNI) The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will soon take up the renovation and maintenance of the famous Khao Phra Viharn temple situated at Thai-Cambodian border.

The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen , who is slated to visit India next month will urge India to make a renovation plan for the temple, built by Khmer rulers, Suryavarman I and II between 11th and 12th centuries, Bangkok Post reported today.

However, the Indian government has already asked the ASI to start working on a plan for the temple's conservation.

The temple, also known as 'Preah Vihear' in Khmer is a stylised representation of Mount Meru, the habitat of gods, according to Hindu mythology.

Among the sculptures carved on the walls is a depiction of the Hindu mythological story of ''churning of the ocean''.

Situted at Thai-Cambodian border, the temple was reverted to Cambodian control 45 years ago when the World Court decided a lawsuit in Cambodia's favour.

In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled that the temple was firmly in Cambodia.

But with the country plunged into civil war after 1970, the Khmer Rouge used the temple as a military camp, and made it a site of some pitched battles.

The temple has been in the limelight this year over Cambodia's bid to get a Unesco world heritage status for it, but was objected to by Thailand.

UNI