Neak Pean Temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia

History of Neak Pean Temple

Neak Pean Temple was constructed during the reign of Khmer King Jayavarman VII, the same Khmer ruler who freed the Angkor region from Champas of Vietnam and established the capital at Angkor Thom and later the Bayon temple. He was known for his devotion towards Mahayana Buddhism, and Neak pean is yet another example of his loyalty towards the faith.  

Neak Pean Temple in Siem Reap is situated right in the middle of a lake, known as Jayatataka Baray adjacent to Preah Khan temple. A Baray is an artificially created water body and was a common thing in the Khmer empire. The etymology of the temple refers to the two entwining snakes at the base of the temple, presumably called Nanda and Upananda. ‘Neak’ easily sounds like a Khmer derivative of the Sanskrit word ‘naga’ meaning snakes. 

Architecture of Neak Pean Temple

Coming to the architecture of Neak Pean Temple in Siem Reap is said to be representing the mythical lake Anavatapta, which lies right in the center of the Buddhist cosmological view and known for its healing powers. Jayavarman II commanded the construction of the temple and its surrounding lakes probably for the same reason – for natural cure and healing of diseases and ailments. A dip in the waters of Neak Pean would balance the universal elements in an individual, they believed.  

Thus the four ponds on the four cardinal points stand for fire, water, air, and wind, while the central water body, in the middle of which the temple stands, represents the earth. All the four ponds are connected with the central one by stone conduits, presided over by stone gargoyles of the heads of a horse, a lion, an elephant and a human – the four great animals. The central shrine of Neak Pean temple Cambodia belonged to Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of all Buddha forms. The causeway that originally connected the bank of the pond with the temple on the eastern side had the statue of Horse Balaha, a manifestation of Buddha where he helps soldiers escape from an island on his back.

Significance of Neak Pean Temple

Although Neak Pean Temple in Siem Reap is not as popular as other temples inside the complex of Angkor Thom or those near Angkor Wat, it still holds an important significance of its own. Neak Pean Temple is a popular place among tourists because of its uniqueness in form and as a part of the Grand Circuit tour. The temple is located in the centre of a baray which lets you take a walk along the wooden platform constructed right on top of the artificial lake.Many tourists also believe to have been healed healthwise after visiting Neak Pean. 

Facts of Neak Pean Temple

Neak Pean Temple is based on the Buddhism religion

Neak Pean Temple in Siem Reap was built by Jayavarman VII

Neak Pean Temple is dedicated to Lord Buddha.

Bayon style of architecture is the style in which Neak Pean Temple is constructed. 

The Temple can be visited any time of the year. There is no best time as such. 

It takes only 30 - 60 minutes for a tour of Neak Pean Temple. 

A Temple Pass is required to enter the temple. 

What To Wear 

Cotton pants or linen capri pants that must cover the knee 

A t-shirt or any kind of upper that must the shoulders 

A pair of comfortable walking shoes or sandals