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WAT PHNOM HILL
Set on top of a tree-covered knoll 27m high, Wat Phnom is the
only hill in town. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was
erected in 1373 to house four statues of Buddha deposited here by the
waters of the Mekong and discovered by a woman name Penh. The main
entrance to Wat Phnom is via the grand eastern staircase, which is guarded
by lions and naga (snake) balustrades.
Today, many people come here to pray for good luck and success in
school exams or business affairs. When a petitioner's wish is
granted, he or she returns to make the offering (such as a garland of
jasmine flowers or bananas, of which the spirits are said to be especially
fond) promised when the request was made. |
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The vihara (temple sanctuary) was rebuilt in 1434, 1806 , 1894, and,
most recently, in 1926. West of the vihara is an enormous stupa
containing the ashes of King Ponhea Yat (reigned 1405 to 1467) . In
a small pavilion on the south side of the passage between the vihara and
the stupa is a statue of the smiling and rather plump Madame Penh.
A bit to the north of the vihara and below it is an eclectic shrine
dedicated to the genie Preah Chau, who is especially revered by the
Vietnamese. |
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On either side of the entrance to the chamber in which a statue of Preah
Chau sits are guardian spirits bearing iron bats. On the tile table
in front of the two guardian spirits are drawings of Confucius, and two Chinese-style
figures of the sages Thang Cheng (on the right ) and Thang Thay (on the
left). To the left of the central altar is an eight-armed statue of
Vishnu.
Down the hill from the shrine is a royal stupa sprouting full-size
trees from its roof. For now, the roots are holding the bricks
together in their net-like grip, but when the trees die the tower will
slowly crumble. If you can't make it out to Angkor, this stupa gives
a pretty good idea of what the jungle can do (and is doing) to Cambodia's
monuments.
Curiously, Wat Phnom is the only attraction in Phnom Penh that is
in danger of turning into a circus. Beggars, street urchins, women
selling drinks and children selling birds in cages (you pay to set the
bird free locals claim the birds are trained to return to their cage afterwards)
pester everyone who turns up to slog the 27m to the summit.
Fortunately its' all high-spirited stuff, and it's difficult to be annoyed
by the vendors, who after all, are only trying to eke out a living.
UP
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National Museum
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Recommended Tour Packages:
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