A week in Cambodia -11/18/2023-11/24/2023

Phnom Penh -11/18/2023

Wat Phnom

Built in 1372 Wat Phnom (Mountain Pagoda) is a Buddhist temple located on the only hill in Phnom Penh and rises above the city. 

  The pagoda is named after Lady Penh and according to legend, a wealthy widow named Daun Penh who found four bronze Buddha statues and a stone statue of Vishnu washed up on the banks of the Tonle Sap River in 1372. Afterward, Lady Penh constructed a hill and erected a small temple to worship the four Buddha statues. Eventually, the area around it was called 'Phnom' in Cambodia, referring to the hill, and named after its creator, Lady Penh. Hence, it became known as Phnom Penh.

The present temple was reconstructed in late 1926 and has seen numerous additional structures added over the centuries.

The grand main entrance runs up the eastern stairway, its path is guarded 2 Nagas and two lions.

Close view of a Naga statue.  Naga are half human and serpent beings that live in the netherworld and have various forms and powers.

Going to the top of the stairs.

Statues on each side of the stairs.

The two lions view from the top of the stairs overlooking the square below.

We are now on top of the hill with Lady Penh Shrine.

Positioned behind the main pagoda, it honors the founder of Wat Phnom. The shrine is a simple structure, with a roof supported by four pillars.

This is the central altar complex with a large bronze seated Buddha surrounded by a bunch of statues, flowers, candles and items of devotion and worship.

 Inside the shrine is a statue of Lady Penh (on the right), dressed in traditional Khmer attire. There are also several offerings at the shrine, including flowers, candles, and incense

The walls are covered with murals, especially of Jataka stories of the Buddha's earlier reincarnations before his attainment of Enlightenment. There are also murals depicting stories from the Reamker, the Khmer version of the Ramayana.

Panoramic view of the central altar.

Large bronze seated Buddha in the center of the altar.

Outdoor spirit house located around the pagoda.

Walking around the pagoda.

King Ponhea Yat Stupa

To the west of Wat Phnom stands a towering stone stupa, intricately carved and visible from a distance. This stupa serves as the final resting place of King Ponhea Yat, who reigned in the 1400s. King Ponhea Yat is renowned for relocating the capital of the Khmer Empire from Angkor to Phnom Penh in 1422.

Today, the temple is an amalgam of styles and structures from across its more than 600-year history, including gardens built by the French in the late 19th century and shrines that represent Taoist, Confucian, and Hindu beliefs.

Walkway and garden surrounding the Pagoda.

Peaceful walkway inside the pagoda.

Drum on the ground of Pagoda.

King Ponhea Yat Statue: The monarch who moved the Khmer empire from Angkor to Phnom Penh.

The statue is about 33 feet tall. The Khmer final King is dressed in traditional Khmer attire and seated on a throne. Wat Phnom holds his remains in a white stupa behind the temple

 Under a 1907 treaty, the provinces of Battambang and Siem Reap were returned to Cambodia from Siam (now Thailand).  King Sisowath receiving the two provinces (and Preah Vihear, returned in 1904).

The lawn is a giant clock which you see later below.

The Giant Clock was a gift from the Chinese community, it stands along the descent path. There is a cobra statue coiled around half of this clock. Crafted from cast iron, the clock spans approximately 66 feet across. It is adorned with elaborate engravings of flowers, creatures, and various symbols

King Ponhea Yat Stupa on top of the hill.

A giant statue of a rabbit in the middle of the square.

I think the Rabbit is there to represent the year of the rabbit.

White Stupa on top of the hill, Giant clock on the hill, and giant rabbit in the forefront.

Next...Phnom Penh at night and Dinner at Ngon