The Mystical Ta Phrom

Trees gripping on the temple.

Huge trees that are hundreds of years old gripping on the temple. Giant roots are wandering in all directions and branches and leaves are waiving up above as if happy watching every visitors.

(My cheerful inner self is saying that there are reasons why trees is like this in Ta Phrom: 1). That the trees wanted to protect the ancient temple through embracing it by its roots; and 2). That the trees are saying, "we are stronger than the world's most powerful men, we can change what they have created.")

The effort to conserve and restore the temple was started by the French since Cambodia was under their control. The restoration process has not been easy because of the decision to let the temple remain in the same condition as it was found in order to give the visitors a picture of how the temples in the area look liked after many years of abandonment. The unique character of the temple attracted massive crowds especially when Angelina Jolie popularized it in her film Tomb Raider.

Giant trees on the temple.

Ta Phrom (Old Brahma) was originally called Rajavihara (The Royal Monastery) and was built under King Jayavarman VII whom had dedicated it to his mother. This temple had also served as a Buddhist temple and just like Bayon temple, this too has evidences found in the wall carvings that emphasize the desire for redesigning due to the changes in religion that is from Buddhism to Hinduism following the death of Jayavarman VII.

Written accounts show that Ta Phrom amassed considerable riches which include silks and expensive gem stones. One of the chambers of the temple has holes which were filled by gems stones as decoration during that time. The blend of man’s skilful hands and of the glorious nature have produced mystical creation, here in Angkor, it is Ta Phrom.

Until next travel memories :)