The Baphuon was built in the mid-11th century as the state temple of Suryavarman I, who reigned from 1010 to 1050, and was dedicated to Shiva. Popular accounts credit Udayadityavarman II, but the article says it was not built in his reign. A 2015 French study dated its iron crampons by radiocarbon, showing construction was earlier than thought.
It is a three-tiered temple mountain on an artificial hill. The base is 394 by 328 feet (120 by 100 m) and the height is 112 feet (34 m) without the tower. Built on sand fill, it was unstable throughout its history. A reclining Buddha 30 feet (9 m) tall and 230 feet (70 m) long was added on the west side.
The first restoration was abandoned in 1970 with about 300,000 numbered blocks stored, and the plans were lost during the Khmer Rouge era. A second project began in 1996 under Pascal Royère. The temple reopened on July 3, 2011.
Comments