Baphuon, Hindu temple and archaeological site in Angkor, Cambodia
Baphuon is a Hindu temple featuring a pyramidal structure that rises through multiple levels connected by stone staircases and processional passages. An elevated causeway supported by numerous pillars runs across the temple grounds, providing access to the main structure.
An 11th-century ruler commissioned this temple as the center of the capital, demonstrating the power and resources of the Khmer Empire. The site later underwent transformation when Buddhist practices became dominant, leading to significant structural modifications.
The temple walls display carved stone scenes from Hindu mythology that reflect the spiritual beliefs of the Khmer people who worshipped here. These carvings served as daily reminders of religious teachings for those who visited to pray and make offerings.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is softer and fewer people are present on the site. Wear comfortable shoes since you will walk across uneven ground and climb multiple staircases.
The western side features a massive reclining Buddha figure formed when the temple stones were rearranged to reflect a spiritual shift in religious practice. This creative transformation shows how people adapted ancient structures to align with new spiritual purposes.
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