A week in Cambodia -11/18/2023-11/24/2023

Siam Reap-11/23/2023

Day 6- Ta Prohm (Tom Raider) continuation

We are now in the central Sanctuary (the inner courtyard)

Our tour guide took this picture of me entering and exiting the gopura.

Panoramic view of the area.

At Ta Prohm, nature has not merely encroached upon man-made structure, it has become an integral part of the architecture itself. The silk-cotton and strangler fig trees have thrust their roots over and through the temple's walls, their growth guided by the stones and bricks laid down centuries ago.

This intertwining root is a rare sight, offering a glimpse into the relentless power of nature and the enduring strength of human construction.

Ta Prohm is more than a static relic of the past; it is a living monument.

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The approach to preserving Ta Prohm in a state of 'arrested decay' allows visitors to experience the temple much as the early explorers did.

Here is the strangler fig which is a common thief who uses a tree as a host and gradually causes it to die. What remains is a network of fine-veined roots, which spread even faster as soon as they come into contact with the soil.

The Strangler fig tree not only enhance the visual appeal but also symbolize the relentless power of nature.

Simply an amazing site.

The relationship between the temple's ruins and the jungle, particularly the enormous roots of strangler fig is enveloping the stone structures, creates a surreal and hauntingly beautiful sight.

An opening inside the temple

Here you can see how high the opening is.

Apsaras carvings on the wall.

Our tour guide pointed out that his giant root looks like a butt cheek.

This is a Tetrameters Nudiflora, native of South East Asian and its sprawling roots and majestic canopies it feels like it stand sentinel over this ancient temple:

This tree is swallowing the top of the temple.

As you can see the imposing roots are massive and see how small people are standing in front of it.

Front view of the roots of the tree over the temple.

Another gigantic strangler fig tree in one of the courtyard.

People are lined up to take a picture between the roots of the tree.

We are now headed to the west gate.

A large tree growing between two gopuras.

The roots of the tree are blending with the gopura.

Entering the third west gopura.

We are walking on the causeway at the entrance of the third west gopura.

Ta Prohm's third enclosure were dedicated to the king's teacher and his elder brother respectively.

Many stone carvings of this Buddhist sanctuary depict topics from the Hindu mythology.

Bridge over a moat.

Face tower in the western gate represents Lokeshvara who is a bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. Some historians believe the likeness is of Jayavarman VII’s father. Dharanindravarman II was the King of the Khmer Empire from 1150 to 1160.

This face-tower of Jayavarman VII was added, later than the original construction, to the western outer gate. It is the only face-tower at Ta Prohm.

Next...Victory Gate