Baphuon, Siem Reap

Baphuon is a magnificent temple that stands as a testament to the grandeur and architectural brilliance of the Khmer Empire. It was built in the mid-11th century during the reign of Udayadityavarman II as the state temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

The temple's design is that of a three-tiered temple mountain, commonly associated with the Baphuon style, which makes it an archetype of this architectural tradition. The temple's imposing presence and sacred purpose made it a significant religious and cultural center during its time.

With its base measuring 120 meters east-west and 100 meters north-south, Baphuon once stood an impressive 34 meters tall without its tower. If the tower were still intact, the temple's height would have reached approximately 50 meters, making it a colossal structure that impressed visitors throughout history.

During the late 13th century, the temple's appearance captivated Temür Khan's envoy, Chou Ta-kuan, during his visit from 1296 to 1297. He described Baphuon as the "Tower of Bronze," a truly astonishing spectacle with more than ten chambers at its base.

In the late 15th century, the temple underwent significant changes when it was converted to a Buddhist temple. A massive statue of a reclining Buddha, standing 9 meters tall and extending 70 meters in length, was constructed on the second level of the temple's west side. To make room for this immense statue, the 8-meter tower above was likely demolished, which explains its absence today.

The construction of Baphuon posed challenges due to its immense size and the land on which it was built, filled with sand. This instability caused portions of the temple to collapse throughout its history, and by the time the reclining Buddha was added, significant sections had already crumbled.