Cambodia Temple #6: Neak Pean Temple

Neak Pean, "The Entwined Snakes" is a small temple situated on an island in the focal point of the last baray (the Preah Khan Baray or Jayatataka) to be built by a famous Khmer King Jayavarman VII in the Angkor area, a water reservoir 3500 meter long and 900 meter wide. The central temple sits at the axis of a cross or lotus pattern of eight pools. Initially known as Rajasri, Neak Pean took its modern name, which signifies "Coiled Serpents”, from the coiled nagas that circled the temple. The name is derived from the sculptures of snakes (Naga) circling the base of the temple structure.

    

The temple was built in the direction of the statue of the horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors. The temple was dedicated to Buddha, but you can find also several Hindu images inside.    

Much of the temple area is flooded amid the rainy season. A wooden walkway over the waters goes to the focal temple, which is fenced off to shield it from further rot.    

Neak Pean may have served an absolution function, and people say the water in the ponds has healing powers. Amid the dry season when the water is low, look at the animal and human headwater gushes at the outside center of each pool. Neak Pean is most photogenic in the wet season when the pools are full.    

The Neak Pean was cleared from forest vegetation in the 1920's and 1930's. Rebuilding works have been done using the anastylosis technique in the late 1930's.    

Some history specialists trust that Neak Pean represents Anavatapta, a legendary lake in the Himalayas whose waters are thought to cure all disease. Neak Pean was initially designed for medicinal purposes, as it is one of the numerous hospitals that Jayavarman VII manufactured. It depends on the ancient Hindu belief of balance. Four linked pools represent Water, Earth, Fire and Wind. The ancient people trusted that going into these pools would balance the elements in the bather, thus curing illness. The central water source is in the middle of the four healing ponds. There is a statue of Balaha (Bodhisattva Guanyin changed into a horse), as an image of drowning prevention.  

Some related articles:

1. Cambodia Temple #12: Bakong Temple 
2. Cambodia Temple #11: Banteay Kdei Temple
3. Cambodia Temple #10: Preah Palilay Temple
4. Cambodia Temple #9: Chau Say Tevoda Temple 
5. Cambodia Temple #8: Baksei Chamkrong Temple 
6. Cambodia Temple #7: Preah Ko Temple
7. Cambodia Temple #5: Takeo Temple
8. Cambodia Temple #4: Bayon Temple
9. Cambodia Temple #3: Banteay Chhmar Temple
10. Cambodia Temple #2: Banteay Samre Temple
11. Cambodia Temple #1: Banteay Srei Temple