 The Angkor Wat temples are the majestic remains of the once mighty Khmer Empire that ruled the country that today we know as Cambodia. From the 9th to the 15th century, the Angkor Empire was the greatest civilization in Southeast Asia and at the heart of this kingdom was the capital city of Angkor Thong. Spread over 200 kilometers, the Angkor Wat is perhaps the largest temple complex in the world. Of these, the most spectacular and well known is Angkor Wat. But centuries of neglect had nearly destroyed the beautiful temples. The ravages of time, the destruction by war and the amazing life force of the rainforest kept the Angkor Wat temples hidden from the world. Between 1986 and 1993, the archaeological survey of India was among the few agencies in the world to remain in Angkor in spite of the war that raged about them. The ASI continued its task of repair and maintenance, working in extreme conditions and under continued threat from the Khmer Rouge. Specialists from India, the ASI and engineers from IIT Chennai are working to restore Ta Pram to its original splendor. The project officers from the ASI are aware that this perhaps is one of the most difficult and challenging restoration works ever undertaken. The Samudramanthan panel is one of the spectacular success stories of the restoration effort. It is believed to be the largest continuous barrelief in the world. The restoration of the Samudramanthan panel is an example of what can be achieved when two nations join hands in the cause of conservation. With the discovery and restoration of the Angkor Wat, tourism is the biggest foreign exchange earner for the country and Cambodia is now poised to take giant strides of progress and prosperity. And a partner in its endeavor is the ASI and India.