Ta Prohm was built under the reign of the powerful king of Angkor, Jayavarman VII, in mid-12th century to early 13th century (1186). It was consecrated to Buddhist cult and dedicated to his Royal Mother Prajnaparamita, whom the statue was placed in the central tower. Ta Prohm is one of the most interesting temples and a state of beauty. It was delightedly researched when discovered but now is found abandoned with regret.

Ta Prohm Tetramelaceae tree

All of you who have arrived at Ta Prohm will find an amazing place full of mystery and romance. It comprises the special characteristics of nature such as the giant trees growing over the temple which takes over the ancient place. This is the greatest view in the world. Moreover, it helps visitors to understand how some of the temples in the Angkor area look like after five to six hundred years since they have been abandoned.

Ta Prohm: University for the students in the Angkor Empire

Ta Prohm was a Buddhist Monastery, where the king or people used to visit for adoration. Additionally, it was a university for the students during the Angkor Empire. There you will find many holes which were filled by gems and gold leaves, and at the second level there are more than 200 statues of Buddha. Plenty of big trees are found today on the temple and its giant roots are all over the place. It is unbelievable. :)

The trees begun growing at the temple naturally setting its roots on both sides of the building. This formation amazingly makes both trees and temple’s walls to support each other over time. This is one of the greatest things in life. Because those trees not always grew from human intervention, but they germinated from the rich combination of the flora and the weather, the jungle of the Angkor city comprises about a hundred different kind of plants and vegetation. You will find for instance gum-trees about 600 year years old.

ta-prohm-king-Jayavarman-VII
gum-trees-ta-prohm
Ta Prohm: Giant root's trees all over the temple
ta-prohm-passage

On the west gate of Ta Prohm, you can see the carving of Garuda in the same style of those at Preah Khan and Banteay Kdei. In the first gallery was the second Monastery. People believe at that time it was preferred to do the cremation outside of the temple and then take the ashes to enshrine here.

In the third gallery it was placed a statue of Buddha. At that time there were 18 chief monks, more than 2.000 congregation and 600 dancing girls around the place. In the central tower it was placed a statue of Prajnaparamita. From all these Buddha carvings many were destroyed, except the carving of Apsara.

When I visit the Ta Prohm temple I feel so proud of the ancestors in the Angkor empire who built so many temples in the Angkor area. And all of this creates the greatest history of Cambodian people and it will stay immortal forever to its visitors.

deviding line angkor wat

Affiliate*

phare cambodian circus logo

Phare, the Cambodian Circus

A highlight in Siem Reap! Buy tickets online directly on the Circus Phare website*.

angkor wat sonnenstern

Cambodia

Discover the best things to do in Cambodia. Book tickets and activities online with our best price guarantee! Read reviews about top tours and attractions in Cambodia.

logo getyourguide

Powered by GetYourGuide

Links and references with a * are an affiliate link (advertising link). If you like Visit Angkor and buy, book or subscribe to something via an affiliate link, the provider will make a small commission for Visit Angkor. Of course, there are no additional costs for you.

Blog subscription Visit Angkor

SUBSCRIBE to our blog and get new articles automatically sent to your mailbox!

Select list(s):

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Join our Facebook group

International travel group with friendly people who love Cambodia. We speak English, German and a little Khmer.

Click to rate this post!
[Total: 0 Average: 0]

One Comment

  1. For all khmer temples, I like Ta Promh because it has great natural between tree and rock.
    It really nice view. I miss and want to visit it again. Thanks for share this article.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *