Baphuon

Baphuon (see picture 1, below) was built by Udayadityavarman II around 1060. It had the structure of a mountain temple, but is now in a ruinous state. Reconstructions have been undertaken and are again being undertaken. A 200 metre long raised avenue leads to a gateway (see picture 2, below, taken from the main temple). Baphuon is famous for its lively and delicate narrative reliefs. A series of reliefs on the west side for instance shows a combat in front of a palace, Arjuna receiving a weapon from Siva, and another combat on a chariot (see picture 3, below). Another relief shows the fight between Arjuna and Siva over a boar which both claim to have killed (see picture 4, below).

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Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

Picture 4