Ta Prohm Temple

Ta Prohm Temple

Built similar in style to the Bayon during the late twelfth century, this was originally a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university. It is a very popular attraction for visitors to Angkor because it has been left much the same as it was discovered with giant roots snaking through doorways and trees over hanging grey stone.

Ta Prohm was originally named "Rajavihara" which means "Monastery of the King." Different aspects are dedicated to important figures in the king's life such as his mother, guru and elder brother. As such, this temple forms a complementary pair with the temple monastery of Preah Khan which was modeled on the king's father.

When it was new and thriving, the site hosted more than 12,500 people (including 18 high priests and 615 dancers) and a further 800,000 people in surrounding villages made their living working there. Expansions and additions to the temple continued through into the rule of Srindravarman at the end of the 15th century.