Baphuon: Angkor's Mountain Temple

Located in the heart of Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon temple, Baphuon stands as a remarkable example of Khmer temple architecture. Constructed in the mid-11th century, it served as the state temple for King Udayadityavarman II, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. The temple's design, known as the Baphuon style, features intricate carvings that cover nearly every surface, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, epic poems like the Ramayana, and daily life. In the late 15th century, Baphuon transitioned into a Buddhist temple. During this period, a massive, 70-meter-long reclining Buddha was added to the west side of the second level. This addition likely necessitated the dismantling of the central tower, explaining its current absence. The temple's construction on sandy soil led to significant instability throughout its history, with large portions collapsing even before the Buddha was added.By the 20th century, Baphuon was in near total collapse. A monumental restoration project began in the 1960s, involving the dismantling of the temple stone by stone, reinforcing the foundation, and re-assembling the structure. However, the project was halted by the Cambodian civil war in the 1970s, and the plans were lost. A second restoration project, dubbed the "largest 3D jigsaw puzzle in the world," commenced in 1996, and after 16 years of meticulous work, the temple was reopened in 2011. Today, visitors can explore this magnificent temple-mountain, ascend its steep stairs, and enjoy panoramic views of the Angkor Archaeological Park.