Ta Prohm is a sprawling monasteric complex that is only partially cleared of jungle over-growth. Intentionally left partially unrestored, massive fig & silk- cotton tress grow from the towers and corridors offering a "jungle atmosphere" and some of the best "tree-in-temple" photo opportunities at Angkor. Unfortunately, massive numbers of visitors and the recent installation of wooden walkways are detracting some from the "jungle atmosphere."
Ta Phrom is still well worth an extended exploration of its dark corridors and open plazas. This temple was one of Jayavarman VII's first major temple projects. Ta Prohm was dedicated to his mother. (Preah Khan, built shortly after Ta Prohm in the same general style, was dedicated to Jayavarman VII's father.) Ta Prohm was originally constructed as a Buddhist monastery and was enormously wealthy in its time, boasting of control over 3000 villages, thousnads of support staff and vast stores of jewels and gold. Of the monastic complex style temples, Ta Prohm is a superior exmaple and should e included in almost any temple itinerary.
 |
| The entrance gate to the temple of Ta Prohm. |
