The mesmerizing conquest of an ancient Buddhist temple by Mother Nature.
Ta Phohm, also known as the “Eye of Wisdom,” stands proudly near the bustling city of Siem Reap in enchanting Cambodia. This magnificent temple was constructed during the delightful era of the late 12th and early 12th century, nestled within the grand Angkor Wat complex. Fascinatingly, it has also earned the distinctive titles of the “Tomb Raider Temple” and the “Angelina Jolie Temple” after its captivating appearance in the blockbuster film, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, released in 2001.
The walls of the temple are adorned with colossal trees that bear a striking resemblance to the majestic redwoods and oaks of ancient times. Adding to its peculiar charm are the rocks that tightly embrace the massive roots of these trees, giving the temple a truly unique appearance. These captivating features have made this temple a popular destination within Angkor, attracting numerous visitors who are captivated by the magical combination of trees emerging from the ruins, embraced by the lush forest surroundings.
Ta Prohm, an awe-inspiring temple nestled in the heart of Cambodia, holds a captivating history. Constructed by the esteemed Khmer King Jayavarman VII, it stood as a remarkable Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university. However, as the mighty Khmer Empire fell in the 15th century, Ta Prohm suffered a fate of neglect, silently succumbing to the passage of time. Yet, as the 20th century dawned and a fervent movement to preserve and restore the magnificent temples of Angkor took hold, a decision was made regarding Ta Prohm. It was agreed that this ancient sanctuary would remain largely untouched, a nod to the prevailing desire for picturesque aesthetics. Thus, Ta Prohm was left as it had been discovered, with its ethereal beauty slowly being reclaimed by nature itself.
The film Tomb Raider featured the renowned temple of Ta Prohm as one of its filming locations. While the movie took some creative liberties in portraying other magnificent structures from the Angkorian period, it surprisingly stayed faithful to the authentic representation of Ta Prohm. The filmmakers skillfully utilized the temple’s eerie and haunting characteristics, capturing its essence with remarkable accuracy.
