Published: February 07, 2011
Hindus Want Preah Vihear Temple Be Turned Over to UN
Hindus have asked that landmark Preah Vihear Hindu temple complex, the cause of border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, should be turned over to United Nations (UN) control.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, said that 11th century Preah Vihar is a world heritage. It is a moral duty of the world to keep it preserved and intact.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, argued that this Lord Shiva temple is sacred to the Hindus of the world.
Rajan Zed pointed out that frequent clashes between Cambodia and Thailand because of long-running feud might further damage the already fragile temple. UN presence can help in protecting the sacred site, development and preservation of the area. Thus, it will allow easy access and provision of needed facilities to devotees and other visitors which can contribute to the economic development and investment in the region.
Known as Preah Vihear in Cambodia and Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand, this remote temple at the border between Thailand and Cambodia, has been a source of tension for generations. Preah Vihear is said to be even older than Cambodia's Angkor Wat temple complex by about 100 years. Its stunning setting makes it the finest of all the ruins left from the mighty Khmer civilization, Zed added.
Rajan Zed further said that the world should not let this sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva be further damaged by Thai-Cambodian frequent clashes. There seems to be no end to the long-standing territorial dispute surrounding the temple. The temple is already a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Moreover, the Temple of Preah Vihear is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture. It was created by Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II. It is a unique architectural complex with series of sanctuaries. It is said to be exceptional for the quality of its architecture and carved stone ornamentation. It is reportedly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva in his manifestations as Sikharesvara and Bhadresvara.
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