Like a Pyramid in Angkor Wat's Hidden Temple
People who have visited Angkor Wat will surely be deeply impressed by the temple complex, with its mottled, ancient and rustic appearance, solemn and majestic atmosphere, and each temple has its own special significance. For example, Banteay Srei, the 'Citadel,' was a place where the king rested after bathing, while the significance of Preah Prohm is even more unique – it is a temple known as the 'Sacred Tree.'
Preah Prohm is where the ancient royal family held cremation ceremonies, built by Rajendravarman II in his later years as a temple for himself, as he hoped to be transformed into a god after his cremation and reach the highest state of reincarnation, hence it is also known as the 'Transformation Tower.' However, besides its history, what impressed me the most is its magnificent shape, resembling a pyramid.
Preah Prohm is a typical tower structure – blocks of red bricks built into a base and steps, then brick towers were constructed, which is quite imposing. The five brick towers, shaped like pyramids, rise to the sky, and stone animal statues guard the sides. Standing below the towers, you feel a strong sense of oppression, presumably to show the royal family's status.
What is also shocking is the steepness of the steps, which are very steep and quite difficult to climb, known as 'Steps to Heaven.' It is said that ashes were burned beneath the steps and then sent to the tower. Although archaeologists have not found ashes in the tower, there are indeed signs of burnt bricks on the red brick stone steps, or perhaps it is due to erosion over time, the specifics are unknown, but from a visual perspective, it is quite stunning.
Preah Prohm is a relatively niche attraction within the Angkor Wat ruins, not included in group tour programs, but some tourists still rush here to visit during sunset. Because after climbing to a vantage point, the view becomes very open. Watching the sunset at Preah Prohm, the sun will just disappear into a sea of primitive forests, which gives you a feeling similar to the African savanna sunset.
The biggest advantage of watching the sunset here is that there are few people, but when climbing, you need to pay attention to the steps, because some of them are damaged, and they are also very steep. The red bricks are more obvious in the sunset, and the entire temple looks like a flame, which is quite unique.
People who have visited Ta Prohm Temple may find that these two structures are similar, but compared to Ta Prohm Temple, Preah Prohm is much larger in scale. Although there are many signs of damage, the overall state is well-preserved, and it is also very suitable for taking pictures. The red of the brick walls and the blue of the sky, combined with the green of the trees, present a wild and unrestrained primitive beauty.
