The towering icon of the religious preceptor found in almost all temples is Buddha. Is he not influencing their lives?
Jayavarman VII, who constructed the two architectural marvels, Ta Prohm and Preah Khan, speaks about his love for such stone sculptures which are tradition re-lived in grandeur. He has dedicated the shrines to his parents. Ta Prohm is dedicated to his mother and is a little short of being a self-contained town.
Inscriptions reveal that almost 40,000 pearls were hidden in the Ta Prohm treasuries. It has become a major tourist attraction because of its jungle ambience. Nature and heritage sites co-exist peacefully attracting tourists who marvel at the splendour.
Ta Prohm, which is in the jungle, has been untouched since it was abandoned. Massive roots of the trees crawl over the roofs like huge serpents which is ocular proof of the amazing life force of the forest.
The roots of a banyan tree camouflage the roof of the gallery, pressing it to a great extent. The roof is precariously perched atop the walls. Ta Prohm is being steadily split by the rich vegetation surrounding it. A large tree root looks like a creamy liquid smeared on the roof. We feel as if we are on a tour of a forest while exploring the temple.
A unique symbiosis exists between nature and sculpture as many stone icons are wrapped in creepers. Beautifully stylised images of Devatas are sculpted in the panels between the false windows lining the gallery.
The village of Ta Prohm boasted of a population of more than 80,000. They included priests, officials, administrators, officials and female dancers. Precious gems and metals were found in abundance. The temple and the village administrators controlled the surrounding villages.
Jayavarman VII was a man of deep religious faith who had a penchant for constructing wonders of the world. The stone icons seem to flash a gentle smile which came to be known as Khmer smile. Jayavarman VII was the greatest builder amongst the kings of the Angkor.
Usha Raja
(To be contd)
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