Ta prohm lies silent and still, shrouded in the folds of the jungle in the Siam Reap province of Cambodia. It has been so passive and unobtrusive an existence that the forest has woven itself into this forsaken religious building, and stand as if for protection with its strong, huge roots forming an arch, its massive branches shading it from the harsh climates and its foliage and creepers growing closely and keeping it company. Theirs is a courtship that is centuries old and still showing well. There is no room for another except maybe a little space for the curious traveller to sneak in from here and there and glance in admiration. Indeed the structure is complex and with the forest, is even more complicated and can be reached only through tiny arch ways, hidden towers and steps.
The Ta prohm is a temple in the Siam Reap province in Cambodia that is built in the Banyon style in the 12th century. Originally called as the Rajaviharaya, this Angakorian temple was founded by Khmer king, Jayavarnam the 7th to function as a monastery and a university for Mahayana Buddhist Philosophy. Since the fall of the Khmer empire, the temple has been neglected until much later in the 20th century, during which minimal reconstruction was undertaken in order to preserve its abandoned natural appearance that is picturesque in its close intermingling with the forest. Ta Prohm is huge as it is complex and is built in the typical style of a Khmer temple with long low structures with five rectangular walls enclosing a central sanctuary. The stone steles and inscriptions reveal that the temple contains about 39 towers with pinnacle and 260 statues of god. One of the most remarkable features of the temple is that the centre can be only accessed via a series of interconnected passages and towers thus the core of the monument is considered as sort of a sacred place.
A traveller can discover an equally enriching experience if he stays over at a renowned
Siem Reap hotel after a visit to this unique temple. For a great many years the temple has attracted visitors from around the globe and the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor has extended its cordial welcome and hospitality to most of them throughout the years. From irresistible Khmer cuisine to indoor modern amenities to spectacular views, this luxurious
hotel in Siem Reap has everything prepared to provide exquisite pleasures for the discerning traveller.
