Ever wonder what it feels like to step back in time? Right here at the South Gate of Ta Prohm, you are about to do just that. Ta Prohm is an ancient Buddhist monastic complex. It was constructed in 1186 AD. King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire ordered its construction.
Ta Prohm’s modern name means Ancestor Brahma. Its original name was Rajavihara meaning royal monastery. Today it is also known as the Tomb Raider Temple. This is because it was featured in the Tomb Raider movie. Sometimes it is called Tree Temple. This is because of the amazing trees that grow among the ruins.
Ta Prohm is northeast of Angkor Wat. It is also northeast of Siem Reap city. The temple was dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s mother. She was Jayarajachudamani. It was also dedicated to his guru, Jayamangalartha. It is a must-visit temple in Angkor Archaeological Park.
The main gate for visitors today is the western entrance. However, let’s focus on the South Gate. Imagine this gate as it stood centuries ago. It welcomed monks, scholars, and royalty.
The outermost rectangular enclosure measures around 1000 m by 700 m. This encloses a 60-hectare area. At the very center is a moat. Then comes a second enclosure wall. After that is another moat. Then another enclosure. Finally, there is the central enclosure. It contains the central sanctuary.
The gates known as gopuras feature monumental smiling faces. These are similar to those at Angkor Thom. The gates feature large garudas. Apsaras flank the doorways. Only the western and northern gates are restored. The northern gate is in the best condition. The eastern gate is under restoration.
After entering the gates, you encounter jungle and farmland. This area once housed inhabitants in service of the temple. They lived in wooden dwellings. These dwellings are now lost to time.
Ta Prohm is built in Bayon style. This style shifted away from the temple-mountain style. Key elements include grand terraces. There are also galleried enclosures with gopuras. Square tower sanctuaries are also present. Pediments are narrated. Decoration is ornate.
The temple was highly decorated. Apsaras adorn the walls. There are leafy tree patterns. Foliated scrolls with inset roundels are also present. Niches are used extensively. Lintels are mostly decorative. Pediments display figures in prayer.
The most interesting artwork is on the eastern gopura. There are four tall panels here. This format is not seen elsewhere in Angkor. The eastern gopura panel features Apsara dancers. It also includes feminine figures and warriors.
Inside the gopura are unique tapestry patterns. These patterns decorate the doorframes. Some are similar to those at Angkor Wat. Others are in line with the style used at temples of this era.
Ta Prohm also has an inscription stele. It was uncovered by a French explorer. It has 290 lines of Sanskrit text. The inscription reveals details of officials and personnel employed. There were 79,365 people in total. This included Burmese and Cham ethnicities. There were also details of supplies held at the temple.
One motif at Ta Prohm has reached worldwide fame. Some people see a Stegosaurus. Others see a local animal on a leaf background. It is up to you to decide.
Around the perimeter are the ruins of 93 small buildings. It is believed they were meditation chambers for monks.
The Royal elite moved the capital away from Angkor in the 15th century. Monks maintained an existence at certain sites within Angkor beyond that time.
Ta Prohm’s restoration project has been led by the Archaeological Survey of India since 2004. They have undertaken major studies. The restoration of the Hall of Dancers is nearing completion.
During restoration works, the ASI team made several discoveries. This included finding part of a gold crown. They also unearthed two Buddha statues.
In 2018, researchers discovered archaeological evidence of habitation within the enclosure.
Ta Prohm stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire. Its unique integration with the jungle offers a captivating glimpse into history. As you pass through this gate, remember the stories etched into its stones.