TONLÉ BATI & TA PROHM
Located in Takeo, this site offers visitors the chance to discover two of Cambodia's most prized temples: Wat Bati and Ta Prohm.
These two temples are one of the favorite Sunday walks of Cambodians. Wat Bati is a Buddhist monastery very popular, but it is not very aesthetic, we will not linger there. Ta Prohm is on the other hand much more interesting. Located at 200 m from Wat Bati, it is a rectangular temple, facing east, which was rebuilt in the 10th century on the site of a 6th century Khmer sanctuary. Initially built for the Mahayanist cult, then dedicated to Brahmanism, the monument was disused, and slightly reworked towards the beginning of the 16th century to be dedicated to Hinayana Buddhism. The monument consists of an enclosure of laterite galleries, interrupted on each side by a gopura. The eastern tower, with its lotus-crowned dome, is flanked by two entrances. The galleries, vaulted and narrow, are divided into rooms of various sizes opening onto the inner courtyard. To the left and right, towards the corners of the courtyard, are laterite libraries; at the opposite corners stand pillars whose purpose is unknown. The central sanctuary, offset to the west, is made of sandstone; it has four openings, each preceded by a forecourt. On the façade of the eastern doorway, Dvarapala armed with clubs guard the temple; they are surmounted by stupas. The primitive Brahmanic sculpture on the lintel has disappeared and is replaced by a representation of a reclining Buddha. The central cruciform cella measures 10 m x 9 m. Its ceiling still shows wooden boards carved with lotuses.
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