Ta Prohm temple

Ta Prohm temple

  • Siem Reap

Ta Prohm is a captivating temple complex located in the Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII, Ta Prohm is a unique and atmospheric temple that has been left in a partially ruined state, with the jungle reclaiming much of its structure. King Jayavarman VII, a powerful ruler known for his ambitious building projects and patronage of Buddhism, commissioned the construction of Ta Prohm as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university. The temple was dedicated to the king’s mother and symbolized the union of religion and royalty in Khmer society. Ta Prohm is renowned for its distinctive architectural style, which features a combination of traditional Khmer design elements and innovative features such as flat roofs, square galleries, and cruciform sanctuaries. The temple complex covers an area of over 40 hectares and consists of multiple enclosures, courtyards, towers, and galleries adorned with intricate carvings and bas-reliefs. One of the most striking features of Ta Prohm is the way in which the temple has been enveloped by the roots of giant silk-cotton trees, creating a dramatic and otherworldly atmosphere.

 

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Banan Temple was built during the 11th century under the reign of the Angkorian king Suryavarman I. It is dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, and was originally part of the larger Khmer Empire, which was characterized by grand temple constructions. The temple follows the traditional Angkorian style and was once a vibrant religious site, although much of its former grandeur has been lost over time.

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The Terrace of the Leper King was built during the 12th century under the reign of King Jayavarman VII, who is responsible for many of the architectural marvels in Angkor, including the famous Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants. This terrace, like other structures in Angkor Thom, is primarily made of sandstone and features detailed relief carvings. The terrace’s name, “Terrace of the Leper King”, is somewhat enigmatic. It is not clear why it was named after the “Leper King,” and there are several theories about its origin:

One theory suggests that the “Leper King” refers to a royal figure who suffered from leprosy. This figure might have been represented by the statue at the terrace’s summit, which is a stone sculpture of a king, sometimes interpreted as a symbolic representation of the Leper King. Another theory is that the name derives from the statue’s appearance—over time, the weathering of the stone may have created a pockmarked surface that resembled the skin of someone suffering from leprosy. The Terrace of the Leper King is a small, rectangular structure, measuring about 25 meters long and 4 meters high. It consists of a low platform with walls adorned with intricate bas-reliefs.

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