Baphûon

Baphuon is one of the Hindu mountain temples at the Angkor archaeological site. Located within the walls of Angkor Thom, this temple is close to the Royal Palace and approximately 200 meters from the Bayon. Its location stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Khmer architecture. For enthusiasts of the Angkorian civilization, it is another treasure of the Khmer people.

History

Dedicated to the deity Shiva, the Baphuon temple was constructed in 1060 during the reign of Udayadityavarman II (1050-1066). At the height of its glory, it was the state temple known as the “Mountain of Gold.”

Between 1908 and 1918, the temple was cleared and restored by the École Française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO). Under the direction of Jean Commaille, the predecessor of Henri Marchal, the restoration team used the method of anastylosis. However, with the rise of the Khmer Rouge, this project was halted and eventually canceled.

In the mid-20th century, the temple partially collapsed. Since then, it has undergone two restoration projects, the first of which took place in 1960 and the second starting in 1995. The first restoration was led by Bernard Philippe Groslier, the EFEO’s Director of Archaeological Research. The last restoration, initiated by a French archaeological team, was completed in April 2011.

Visiting Baphuon

Baphuon is the largest and most imposing mountain temple in Angkor Thom. Covering an area of 13,520 square meters, this temple is surrounded by a rectangular enclosure wall with a perimeter of 8,700 meters.

Often referred to as the “sand castle,” this temple is built on a base filled with sand. With centuries-old trees growing through its structure, the temple is known for its ruined architecture. The large roots attempt to lift and separate its various structures.

Constructed atop an artificial hill, the Baphuon temple reflects the image of Mount Meru, a sacred mountain in Hinduism. Its structure rests on a three-tiered pyramid that rises to about 35 meters in height. The site includes three enclosures, several gopuras, several galleries, and a main sanctuary. Its architecture represents the style of the Khmer mountain temples.

Baphuon features two enclosure walls, each housing entrance gates or gopuras, a typical structure for Angkorian temples. Aligned to the south and facing east toward the Elephant Terrace, the main gopura is elevated by a 172-meter cross-shaped pavilion. Unlike other gopuras, this one is connected by galleries and decorated with Hindu representations. It is also supported by hundreds of pillars, making it very similar to the architectural style of the main gate of Angkor Wat.

After the main gate, a 200-meter sandstone walkway leads directly to the central sanctuary. Halfway, you will find a large pool and a beautiful pavilion whose walls are decorated with sculptures of animals, hunters, and warriors.

Located in the middle of the site, the main building or central sanctuary is the most imposing structure at the Baphuon temple. It dominates the site with a beautiful five-tiered pyramid built on a 43-meter sandstone base. Rising to over 145 meters in height, this central sanctuary extends about 150 meters in length. Enhancing the temple's reputation, the upper part of the central sanctuary is still collapsed to this day.

The temple's decorations consist of Hindu bas-reliefs. These sculptures cover the facades of the entrance doors and other structures of the temple. In general, they depict scenes from the Indian epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. During your visit, you can also find floral or animal motif decorations and scenes of warriors or Devata figures.

By the end of the 15th century, the temple was converted into a Buddhist institution. At this time, part of the temple was demolished, which is why some of the decorations found here are Buddhist in nature. Stones not used during the reconstruction were repurposed to build a Buddha statue. At the western end of the main gate, the temple features a massive reclining Buddha statue. Do not miss this 9-meter-high, 70-meter-long statue during your visit, as it is one of the most important attractions of the site.

How to get there

Located inside the Angkor Thom site, it is easy to reach this temple. You can walk or take a tuk-tuk to get there.

Hours

The Baphuon temple is open every day from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

As it is a mountain temple in Angkor, the temple is accessible with the same pass as the other major temples.