Ta Prohm Temple

Although efforts have been made to stabilize the ruins, Ta Prohm has been intentionally preserved in a state that closely resembles its original condition, earning it the moniker of the jungle temple. Consequently, navigating the site can be challenging, as certain areas are inaccessible, and visitors may find themselves drawn to explore the temple by moving from one remarkable tree formation to another, rather than following a designated temple layout.

The site features a relatively straightforward arrangement, comprising several single-story structures that represent a “flat” Khmer temple, as opposed to a pyramid design. These buildings are enclosed by a partially intact rectangular wall measuring 600 by 1000 meters. Within this perimeter, a significant town would have existed, but today, the temple’s interior is overtaken by dense jungle. To the east, four smaller enclosing walls encircle the central sanctuary.

Most visitors approach the temple from the west, where a brief walk leads to a stone terrace shaped like a cross, which serves as a walkway over a narrow moat. This pathway leads to the fourth enclosing wall and marks the beginning of the authentic Ta Prohm experience. From this juncture, there are numerous courtyards, passageways, and towers to discover, all entwined with nature—partially ruined and partially preserved by the encroaching jungle. Some structures within the inner enclosures are believed to have been constructed in later periods, including the libraries found in the first and third enclosures. The renowned tomb raider tree, located in the central sanctuary, presents a striking sight, with its roots appearing to both constrict and support the ruins beneath.

Ta Prohm was originally named Rajavihara, which translates to “monastery of the King.” It was established as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and educational institution. The temple’s construction is dated to 1186 AD, although it is widely believed that enhancements and additions were made over several subsequent years. As noted by Maurice Glaize in his evaluation of the temple, “For a considerable period, all temples resembling the Bayon style were attributed to a single monarch—Jayavarman VII—during his approximately twenty-year reign. However, it now appears more plausible that he could only have transformed, expanded, or completed pre-existing religious sites within such a limited timeframe.”

Jayavarman VII dedicated Ta Prohm to his family, as indicated by the inscriptions on the stele. This inscription enumerates many of Jayavarman’s ancestors and provides details regarding the construction activities at the site. Perhaps the most striking aspect is the information regarding the individuals whose lives were intertwined with this temple. Approximately 80,000 people were engaged in serving the temple, hailing from over 3,000 nearby villages. The stele also notes the existence of 102 operational hospitals within the Kingdom. Such figures offer remarkable insight into the vast scale of the Khmer Empire during that era.

Ta Prohm is situated within the small circuit of the Angkor complex, merely a few minutes away by tuk-tuk from Angkor Wat or Angkor Thom. The temple’s primary structures are enclosed by a substantial wall, rendering them not immediately visible from the road; instead, they are revealed through a brief walk along a path bordered by jungle. An excellent approach to reach this temple is by bicycle, navigating the trails within the Angkor forest, and utilizing the less frequented gates. An experienced bike guide is essential to navigate the intricate paths, but this method offers a magical opportunity to explore the area and access the temple’s inner enclosures.

Many visitors opt to combine their tour of Ta Prohm with visits to Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat to maximize their one-day temple pass. Nevertheless, Ta Prohm is surrounded by numerous smaller sites that, when explored together, can create a fulfilling day of discovery. In particular, Banteay Kdei and Ta Nei are relatively overlooked yet intriguing sites that provide a serene respite from the crowds.