Lost in Ta Prohm temple

Being among the Angkor temple complex, Ta Prohm temple was built in the Bayon style in 1186 AD. The meaning of original name, Rajavihara, was considered as the royal temple. It was dedicated to Buddha in the Khmer King dynasty. To the travelers, Ta Prohm gets its mystique surrounded with the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins.

 Ta Prohm temple

The King built Ta Prohm with the aim of Buddhist monastery and university. As the first temple constructed in the Khmer dynasty, the King wanted to honor his royal blood. The temple’s main image of Ta Prohm represented Prainaparamita which personificated the wisdom, was modelled on the King’s mother. After the fall of the Khmer empire in 15th century, Ta Prohm temple was abandoned and neglected until people found it in the early of 20th century. Today, the Cambodian try to restore and conserve the temple.

Ta Prohm's gate 

Although the temple now has a part in ruins (and being in conservation and restoration), it still remains the original shape covered by large and long tree roots. Time passing with the wind and sunlight but can not destroy the imposing temple. Things may change, but the trees coiling the temple and its walls, the ruins have existed for centuries. Tree trunks throwing their roots cover and coil the wall so large that the Ta Prohm exposes only its doors with the dark inside. From the outside, the combination of trees and ruins evokes the mystique to be curious to people.

  

The galleries in dark along with the columns line

Along the lines of axises of the temple, there are galleries running inner enclosures. People have recognized that the most substantial part of Ta Prohm are galleries which were set to surround the central sanctuary. Majority of the temple walls are made of sandstone being firmly set layer by layer. Few narrative bas-reliefs does not make the temple less fascinating and photographed. The whole structure of Rajavihara combines with the plants and jungle that feature the unique and the secret of temple. However, the stone reliefs of minor female deities  or so called Devatas, meditating monks and temple guardians take travelers to the hidden charm inside; help them understand more structure and knowledge about the history marking favourite style of art of Khmer King.

  

Another gate of Ta Prom temple

Today, Ta Prohm getting the firm hugs from trees is in the best protecting condition. Mosses and creeping plants cover all the walls, the enclosure and the axises as well the delicately carved reliefs. The whole temple seems to be enlightened by the light green.

Some people said that being lost in Ta Prohm like you are in the Angkorian ancient time and forget reality. The far-away-from-city temple is a secret jungle temple with mystery and magic.

To get more support with information and traveling, you can contact to Vietnam Today Travel ltd., company with the assess to www.cambodiatours.com.    

Susan
(www.cambodiatours.com)