The Baphuon, Siem Reap is a pyramidal representation of the mythical Mt Meru, constructed by Udayadityavarman II (reigned 1049-65) in the mid 11th century as his state temple. This structure marked the center of the city that existed before the construction of Angkor Thom and is located at a distance of approximately 200m to the northwest of the Bayon. Today, Baphuon, Siem Reap has deteriorated considerably and is being restored by a French team. Due to the restoration work in progress, much of the temple has been marked off-limits for general public.
The central complex of Baphuon in Siem Reap can be approached by a 200m elevated walkway made of sandstone. Though this temple hill was dedicated to Lord Shiva of the Hindu Trinity but in its carvings one can see many motives from the Vishnu epic as well. The central structure of this temple originally rose to a staggering height of is 43m, but unfortunately its submit has collapsed, which is currently being restored. On the west side of the temple, you can see the remaining wall of the second level that was fashioned into a 9 meter tall by 70 meter long statue of a reclining Buddha in the late 15th century.
Baphuon in Siem Reap is one of the most poorly constructed of all the temples in Angkor. However, one can still get a clear idea of how imposing it must have been from the remaining ruins of this three-tiered temple mountain. The temple of Baphuon in Siem Reap adjoins the southern enclosure of the royal palace and measures 120 meters east-west by 100 meters north-south at its base and stands 34 meters tall without its tower. With the tower, this temple would have measured approximately 50 meters in height.
In fact, the appearance of the temple tower at Baphuon in Siem Reap impressed Emperor Chengzong of Yuan so much during his visit from 1296 to 1297, that he hailed it as “A truly astonishing spectacle”.
Keep browsing travel.mapsofworld.com for detailed online information on Baphuon, Siem Reap and other popular tourist attractions in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
| Tourist Attractions in Siem Reap |
Phnom Krom Hilltop Temple
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The Great Lake Tonle Sap & Floating Fishing |
Phnom Koulen
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Civil War Museum
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Crocodile Farm, Siem Reap
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Angkor Borie, Siem Reap
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Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
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Angkor Zoo, Siem Reap
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Banteay Kdei, Siem Reap
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Banteay Sam Re Temple, Siem Reap
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Banteay Srey Rochna, Siem Reap
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Banteay Srey Temple, Siem Reap
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Baphuon, Siem Reap
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East Mebon, Siem Reap
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Baksei Chamkrong, Siem Reap
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