Title

Khmer Baphuon architecture style

Uncommon
4.5/5(Based on 5 heritage sites)
DescriptionThe Baphuon style, a precursor to Angkor Wat, features monumental stepped pyramids, intricate carvings, and a focus on Mount Meru symbolism within a Hindu context.
Also Known As
Khmer Baphuon to Angkor Wat Style Hindu Temple Architecture
Khmer Temple Architecture
Baphuon Style
Angkor Wat Style
Hindu Cosmology
Dravidian Temple Planning
Southeast Asian Prasat Design
Khmer Baphuon Style Hindu Temple Architecture with Water Cosmology
Water Architecture
Mount Meru Symbolism
Khmer Baphuon Style Hindu Shiva Temple Architecture
Hindu Shiva Temple Design
Khmer Baphuon Style Hindu Shiva Lingam Temple Architecture
Hindu Shiva Lingam Worship
Tags
Mount Meru
Pyramid Temple
Khmer Art
Hindu Temple
Prasat
Water cosmology
Sandstone carving
Khmer art
Temple Mountain
Shikhara
Gopura
Deva
Shiva Lingam
Southeast Asian temple
Causeway
Lintel
Sandstone
Khmer
Style ID
INHF-STY-0518973400-02:16:33:19:03:23:KBAS
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/khmer-baphuon-architecture-style
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/khmer-baphuon-architecture-style
Total Sites5
Primary Sites4
CreatedNovember 19, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 29, 2025

External References

Regions

Regions
Cambodia
Thailand
Laos
Vietnam
Thailand (influenced)
Southeast Asia

Historical Context

Time Periods
11th Century CE
11th century CE
Dynasties
Khmer Empire

Sacred Context

Sacred Contexts
Hindu Temples
Royal Temples
Hindu temples
Royal temples
Associated Deities
Shiva
Vishnu

Architectural Details

Primary Materials
Sandstone
Laterite
Architectural Features
Stepped Pyramids
Elevated Causeways
Intricate Carvings
Mount Meru Symbolism
Pyramidal temple mountain
Elevated causeways
Intricate bas-reliefs
Enclosures
Gopuras
Pyramidal temple-mountains
Intricate carvings
Cruciform plan
Prasats
Intricate bas-relief carvings
Lintels with narrative carvings

Keywords

Keywords
Mount Meru
Pyramid Temple
Khmer Art
Hindu Temple
Prasat
Water cosmology
Sandstone carving
Khmer art
Temple Mountain
Shikhara
Gopura
Deva
Shiva Lingam
Southeast Asian temple
Causeway
Lintel
Sandstone
Khmer

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
The Art and Architecture of CambodiaBook
Early Temples of Mainland Southeast AsiabookFocuses on the development of temple architecture in the region.
Early Temples of Thailand: Art and Architecture of the Eleventh-Twelfth Centuries C.E.Book
Ancient AngkorBookFocuses on the Baphuon period and its architectural innovations.
Early Temples of South-East AsiaBook

See Also

Related Materials

Sandstone
Laterite

Related Features

Stepped Pyramids
Elevated Causeways
Intricate Carvings
Mount Meru Symbolism
Pyramidal temple mountain
Elevated causeways
Intricate bas-reliefs
Enclosures
Gopuras
Pyramidal temple-mountains
Intricate carvings
Cruciform plan
Prasats
Intricate bas-relief carvings
Lintels with narrative carvings

How to Identify Khmer Baphuon architecture style

  1. Look for characteristic features: Stepped Pyramids, Elevated Causeways, Intricate Carvings.
  2. Verify geographic location: Khmer Baphuon architecture style architecture is typically found in Cambodia and Thailand.
  3. Examine construction materials: Khmer Baphuon architecture style typically uses Sandstone and Laterite.
  4. Consider historical context: This style dates from 11th Century CE.
  5. Compare with documented examples: 5 heritage sites use this architectural style.

Frequently Asked Questions