Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei

This is the monument that has been left to be swallowed by the jungle. To me , this was like an other-world experience. The temple is full of shadows, its towers crumbling, locked in the slow muscular embrace of the vast root systems of the jungle. Ta Prohm reminded me of the power of the jungle.

Ta Prohm, built around 1186, was a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman Vll. An inscription here, provides information about the 80 000 people who were required to maintain or attend the temple, among them more than 615 dancers!! Amazing!!

It was magnificent to see – everywhere were corridors clogged with piles of carved stone, bas-reliefs carpeted by lichen, moss and creeping plants and shrubs sprouting from the roofs. Trees – hundreds of years old, were towering overhead , their leaves filtering some of the sunlight.

This is a unique temple, dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. This beautiful temple is cut from a stone of a pinkish colour and with some of the finest stone carving seen anywhere on the planet. The name means “Citadel of the Women” and it is said that it must have been built by a woman, as the elaborate carvings are too fine for the touch of a man.

Construction began in 967 . This temple has lavishly decorated libraries and three central towers, which are decorated with male and female divinities and beautiful filigree work. Classic carvings that show delicate women with lotus flowers in hand and traditional skirts are breath-taking in its beauty.

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