Baphuon Temple
Baphuon is an exquisite 11th-century “temple mountain” characterized by its steep staircases that guide visitors to a terrace, providing one of the most breathtaking vistas within the Angkor Archaeological Park. Archaeologists suggest that this pyramid-shaped temple, situated in the city of Angkor Thom, was likely one of the most remarkable temples of its era. Regrettably, the passage of time and natural elements inflicted considerable damage on this splendid structure, nearly erasing it from history. The narrative of its restoration is as captivating as the temple itself.
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Architecture
The Baphuon temple serves as the archetype for the Baphuon architectural style, characterized by its elaborate carvings that adorn every accessible surface. These carvings feature a blend of realistic and imaginative representations, including lotus flowers, wild animals, hunters, divine figures, and warriors engaged in combat. Additionally, there are carvings that allude to Hindu mythology and depict scenes from epic narratives such as the Ramayana. The sandstone temple-mountain is a symbolic representation of the sacred five-peaked Mount Meru, which holds significance in both Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. The Baphuon temple complex comprises three enclosures, with the principal structure elevated on a high platform. Originally, with the inclusion of a bronze tower, the temple would have reached an approximate height of 50 meters; however, in its current state, it stands at 34 meters.
Why and When You Should Visit
To experience the stunning views of Angkor Thom, a visit to Baphuon is essential. Visitors will approach the temple via a 225-meter elevated sandstone walkway, which includes a pavilion located midway along the path, leading to the main temple. The ascent involves a rigorous climb up steep stairs to reach the upper levels. As you walk around, keep the temple to your right and take in the intricate carvings and remarkable scenery. It is advisable to visit Baphuon in the morning or late afternoon, as the long walkway offers no shade, and the steep ascent can be quite strenuous during the peak heat of the day. Allocate at least an hour to explore Baphuon, allowing ample time to wander the site and ascend to the summit.
Location and How to Get There
Baphuon is situated within the Angkor Small Circuit, which encompasses the essential temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Specifically, it can be found in the Angkor Thom complex, approximately 200 meters to the northwest of Prasat Bayon. Visitors should enter from the eastern side by following the designated walkway. While it is possible to explore the park independently, engaging a tuk-tuk driver offers a cost-effective means to navigate the extensive area efficiently, ensuring that you do not overlook any significant sites. Please reach out to us for assistance in connecting with a trustworthy and dependable tuk-tuk or taxi driver to guide you through the park.
History of Baphuon Temple
This impressive temple was constructed by King Udayadityavarman II during the mid-11th century, prior to the establishment of the city of Angkor Thom. Initially a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, it underwent a transformation into a Buddhist temple in the late 15th century, during which a substantial reclining Buddha, measuring nine meters in height and 70 meters in length, was added to the western side of the temple’s second level.
Similar to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Baphuon was erected on a foundation of sandy soil that proved insufficient for supporting such a large structure. This unstable foundation rendered the temple precarious for much of its existence, and it is highly probable that significant portions had already collapsed by the time it was repurposed as a Buddhist temple. The stones from the fallen sections were repurposed in the construction of the reclining Buddha, which ranks among the largest in Southeast Asia.
By the early 20th century, Baphuon was on the brink of total collapse. A substantial restoration initiative commenced in the 1960s, which entailed the meticulous dismantling of the temple, reinforcing the foundation, and subsequently reassembling the edifice. Approximately 300,000 stone blocks were meticulously labeled and organized across the 10 hectares surrounding the temple site, awaiting reinstallation. Regrettably, the project was halted due to the outbreak of civil war in 1970, and the plans detailing the stones’ intended placements were lost to the Khmer Rouge.
A subsequent restoration effort, recognized as the largest three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle in the world, was initiated in 1996 under the direction of architect Pascal Royère. The use of modern technology significantly facilitated this endeavor, yet it still required 16 years to complete the reconstruction. The lighter-colored stones represent the restored sections. We are indeed fortunate to have the opportunity to visit this extraordinary site and owe our gratitude to the numerous workers who contributed to the reconstruction of this magnificent temple.