A metaverse based digital preservation of temple architecture and heritage.

This study employs a case study design to examine virtual reality (VR) representations of three culturally significant temples in Asia: Kodaiji Temple in Japan, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar. Each temple was selected for its historical, religious, and architectural importance, offering a comparative view of diverse digital preservation approaches within metaverse. Kodaiji Temple, a Zen Buddhist site in Japan, highlights the VR potential to convey spiritual ambiance along with architectural aesthetics. Cambodia's Angkor Wat, a vast Khmer-style temple complex, presents unique technical challenges in digitally capturing its intricate carvings and expansive layout. Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar provides a study in digitizing sacred elements, including ritual practices and symbolism embedded in its structure. Drawing on secondary sources such as historical documents, academic articles, and cultural reports, this study investigates the effectiveness, challenges, and cultural implications of VR in preserving sacred temple architecture. Limitations regarding access to high-resolution VR models and the cultural sensitivities of digitalizing sacred spaces are acknowledged.