Ta Prohm: The Tomb Raider Temple

Ta Prohm, originally named Rajavihara (Royal Monastery), was constructed in 1186 AD by King Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university dedicated to his mother. The temple was home to over 12,500 people, including high priests and dancers, with 80,000 villagers in the surrounding area providing support. The temple's main image, representing Prajnaparamita, the personification of wisdom, was modeled on the king's mother. The northern and southern satellite temples were dedicated to the king's guru and elder brother respectively. Ta Prohm is one of the largest temples built during the Khmer empire, with an outer wall measuring 1000m by 600m. The temple complex was expanded over the centuries before being abandoned in the 16th century. The jungle quickly reclaimed the temple, with trees and vegetation growing over the stones. The temple's unrestored state distinguishes it from other temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park. The trees growing out of the ruins have made it one of the most popular temples with visitors. Ta Prohm is also known as the "Tomb Raider Temple" because the Lara Croft movie was filmed here in 2000. Today, Ta Prohm attracts tourists and locals who come to marvel at its unique beauty and connect with Cambodia's rich history.