September 28, 2026
I rallied for our last temple of the morning, because I heard this one was unique and I think it was my favorite. Ta Prohm was built starting in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university dedicated to the king's mother. It was left mostly un-restored so that huge banyan and silk cotton trees grow directly over and through the walls. In 2001, the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie was filmed here.
The King commissioned a statue of Buddhist goddess of transcendent wisdom, Prajnaparamita to be carved in the exact likeness of this royal mother. The statue was enshrined inside the central sanctuary shown below. The walls were blindingly opulent with 35 diamonds, 40,620 pearls and 4540 precious stones, all placed in specially drilled holes and there were thick sheets of beaten gold and silk veils that completely covered the dark stone interior. When the Khmer Empire declined, raiders pried every single jewel and golden leaf out to the masonry and took the statue. All that remains are the holes and the base from the statue.
I think the moss gave this temple a really nice look and feel. Also it was a series of smaller buildings and then this amazing tree roots!
A fun finale to a busy and memorable morning!
