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  Ta Prohm

 

Cambodia

The remnants of Ta Prohm, a Khmer temple at Angkor, which was formerly known as Rajavihara.

 

According to an inscription on a stele that commemorates its foundation, the temple was founded in 1186 AD by King Jayavarman VII, as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery.

 

  Ta Prohm

 

  Ta Prohm

 

The temple's main image represents Prajna-paramita, i.e. the bodhisattva of knowledge (fig.), and was purportedly modeled on the king's mother.

 

The inscriptions also state that the temple had considerable riches, including gold, pearls and silks. Expansions and additions to Ta Prohm continued well into the 15th century.

 

  Ta Prohm

 

  Ta Prohm

 

Today, the complex is very popular, because it is left in much the same condition in which it was found, i.e. in the jungle and covered with Spung Trees (fig.).

 

The roots of these large deciduous trees, with the botanical designation Tetrameles nudiflora, overgrow the ruins in several places. As in many other Angkor temples, the walls are decorated with Apsaras (fig.).

TRAVEL PICTURE 1 TRAVEL PICTURE 2 TRAVEL PICTURE 3 TRAVEL PICTURE 4 TRAVEL PICTURE 5 THAILAND'S NEIGHBOURS & BEYOND MAP LOCATION DIRECTIONS LIST OF THAI BOTANICAL NAMES

 

  Ta Prohm