- Address: Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Norodom Blvd Street 96.
- Ground: 1373
- Cost of visiting: 1 dollar.
The majestic temple of Wat Phnom is located in the northern part of the city of Phnom Penh. This Buddhist monastery became the most important religious building and it was thanks to him that the city got its name. Locals call it "Temple Mount", because it is located at a height of 27 m above sea level - this is the highest point of the city. The temple is shrouded in legends and evokes great reverence among religious people. Getting inside, you seem to fall into a completely different world, which is full of calmness and spirituality that will not leave anyone indifferent.
Legend and history
Plunge into the history of the creation of Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh, you will find very little information about the appearance of this temple. Based on the local legend, the monastery appeared around the thirteenth century, when the old widow Penh found in the river a large tree, inside which were four Buddha statues. For them, the woman built a small room on top of the hill and placed each sculpture in the corner. Over time, local residents of the district began to gather in the walls of the building to pray or hide from the natural elements. This place became religiously important for the whole city.
In 1437, King Ponkhei Yat began construction of his palace near the construction of the Penh. Since the small building did not fit into the overall picture of his apartments, the king ordered artificially to raise the hill, and reconstruct the building itself and give it the proper appearance. Since that time the church was rebuilt more than once, its last improvement was in 1926.
Around the four Buddhas were added other sculptures and sanctuaries: in 1467 - a sanctuary with the remains of Ponchey Yata, in 1534 - the sanctuary of Vihara. In 1473, at the foot of the hill, a statue of that same woman appeared Pen, which is now considered the savior of Phnom Penh. At the time of the Middle Ages, the French came to "bring to mind" Wat Phnom and enclosed it with a gorgeous stone staircase, at the entrance put bronze lions and planted flowering gardens.
Walking around the temple of Wat Phnom
Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh today has become a popular tourist destination in Cambodia . Here you can spend hours walking with children in the open air, inspired by the picturesque, touch the history of the city and take part in the offering to the spirits. To fully enjoy and enjoy your holiday in this wonderful place, you will have to spend at least four hours, but they will fly unnoticed. The temple looks charming during the night, when the neon lights illuminate near the sculptures and rooms.
The entrance to Wat Phnom is on the east side of the city. To the main gate of the temple leads an unusual staircase: bronze winding serpents serve as perilla, and the walls are decorated with mystical pictures of dragons. Ticket price is symbolic - $ 1, the administration installed it to support the temple. Here you can make small donations for the development of the sights.
In the heart of the temple is the sanctuary of the "Buddha's Stupa", where the very bronze figurines found by the widow Pena were found. Local residents still come here to pray and ask for luck in the plans. If someone managed to realize their idea, they return with great gratitude in the form of luxurious bouquets or sweets. Small staircases that lead to this temple are "guarded" by statues of ancient warriors from white stone.
Near the sanctuary there is a sculptural stupa made for the glory of the great King Paneat (the last ruler of the empire), beneath which the remains of the patron have found their place. Nearby are the huge sundial that was built in 1926. They represent a neat green flowerbed with divisions and arrows.
Moving to the southern part of the temple, you will find a small building - a sculpture of the Pen has found its place here. Local people always leave lighted candles and flowers at its foot. After passing through this structure, you will stumble upon the extraordinary sanctuary of Preichau - a religious holy spirit, which is respected by the Vietnamese. Going inside, you can see the majestic figure of the eight-armed Vishnu, which surprises everyone by its size (more than three meters). The walls of the sanctuary are decorated with paintings with images of Confucius and other respected sages of the era.
Next you will find the most interesting and valuable sculpture of the Royal Stupa, more precisely its remains. Around this sight, tropical plants have long been growing, and the trees have broken through the roof of the building. But still this object is as valuable as all the others, and it carries the history of the empire.
In addition to historical values, there are many interesting activities in Wat Phnom. This place became the main point of street vendors and magicians. Many photographers who can instantly take a photo, you are expected inside. Near the entrance you can play with the monkey a little, hold an eagle on the elbow or ride an elephant. All these entertainments delight the little visitors, but each will have to pay (less than a dollar).
How to get to the temple?
The temple of Wat Phnom is located on the highest hill of the city, near the seafront of Sisovat. If you are going to drive your car, the road number 94 will lead you to the main entrance. The nearest bus stop to the temple is two blocks away. It's called Rithi Mony Bas Station. Here you can lead and public transport - bus number 106.
| | | |
| | | |
