Neak Pean Temple

Neak Pean Temple

  • Travel Location Siem Reap
  • Neak Pean at Angkor, Cambodia is an artificial island with a Buddhist temple on a circular island in Preah Khan Baray built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. It is the "Mebon" of the Preah Khan ...

OVERVIEW

A small island temple located in the middle of the last baray to be constructed by a Khmer king in the Angkor area (Preah Khan Baray or Jayatataka). The central temple sits at the axis of a cross or lotus pattern of eight pools. Originally known as Rajasri, Neak Pean took its modern appellation, which means ‘coiled serpents,’ from the encoiled nagas that encircled the temple. The temple is faced by a statue of the horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors. Though originally dedicated to Buddha, Neak Pean contains several Hindu images. Neak Pean may have served an absolution function, and the waters were thought to have healing properties. During the dry season when the water is low, check out the animal and human headwater spouts at the outside center of each pool. Neak Pean is most photogenic in the wet season when the pools are full.

Video Travel Inspiration

Neak Pean or Neak Poan at Angkor, Cambodia is an artificial island with a Buddhist temple on a circular island in Preah Khan Baray built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. 389 It is the "Mebon" of the Preah Khan baray (the "Jayatataka" of the inscription).

Etymology of Neak Pean temple

Some historians believe that Neak Pean represents Anavatapta,174 a mythical lake in the Himalayas whose waters are thought to cure all illness.124–125 The name is derived from the sculptures of snakes (Nāga) running around the base of the temple structure, neak being the Khmer rendering of the Sanskrit naga. "They are Nanda and Upananda, two nagas traditionally associated with Lake Anavatapta."

History of Neak Pean Temple

Neak Pean was originally designed for medical purposes (the ancients believed that going into these pools would balance the elements in the bather, thus curing disease); it is one of the many hospitals that Jayavarman VII built. It is based on the ancient Hindu belief of balance. Four connected pools represent Water, Earth, Fire and Wind. Each is connected to the central water source, the main tank, by a stone conduit "presided over by one of Four Great Animals (maha ajaneya pasu) namely Elephant, Bull, Horse, and Lion, corresponding to the north, east, south, and west quarters....The stone conduits in the little pavilions are fashioned to represent the heads of the Four Great Animals...the only exception being that on the east, which represents a human head instead of a bull's." Originally, four sculptures stood on the floor of the lake. The only remaining statue is that of the horse Balaha, a form of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, saving sailors from the ogresses of Tamradvipa. The temple on the lake was originally dedicated to Avalokitesvara. Willetts believed that "this is Jayavarman as he would have wished to have appeared to his people"

Zhou Daguan refers to Neak Pean in his visit to Angkor in the late 13th century.

REQUEST FOR TOUR
 

Popular Package Tours in Siem Reap

Wonderful Night of Siem Reap Street Food Tour

from Siem Reap

5 Hours, Night

Wonderful Night of Siem Reap Street Food Tour

This is a fantastic way to experience local Siem Reap food at night. Join this unique Food Tour in Siem Reap to have the opportunity biting into some tasty regional dishes. On this cultural and ...

Cambodia Phnom Penh - Angkor Temple Adventure Tour

from Siem Reap

11 Days

Cambodia Phnom Penh - Angkor Temple Adventure Tour

An eleven day Cambodia holiday, fully guided by local experts, around many of this glorious and highly underrated country’s cultural highlights. The most famous is, of course, Angkor with its vast ...

Angkor Cycling Tour

from Siem Reap

3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS

Angkor Cycling Tour

It’s the perfect way for getting around the temples. Taking your bike into the historical park isn’t a problem and you don’t have to pay anything for it. Those faces just rise out of every ...

Angkor Park Zipline & Quad Bike Adventure

from Siem Reap

Full-Day

Angkor Park Zipline & Quad Bike Adventure

Quad Adventure Cambodia come and get you at 7am to bring you to the Quad Adventure Cambodia headquarters. We’ll start a safety briefing and take a ride out to the countryside around Siem Reap. The ...

Beng Mealea Motorbike Discovery

from Siem Reap

Full-Day

Beng Mealea Motorbike Discovery

This tour offers our customers the perfect combination of ancient culture, rural life in the countryside, and nature. Ride on hidden trails to the picturesque temple of Beng Mealea, which is situated ...

Angkor Wat and Banteay Srey Temple Discovery Tour

from Siem Reap

2 Days

Angkor Wat and Banteay Srey Temple Discovery Tour

We will continue our tour and arrive at the South Gate of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom comprises of renowned Bayon and Baphoun temples originally made up of 54 towers and 216 faces of Buddhisatva ...

 

Book Hotels in Siem Reap with our Top Pick!

Cheata Residence

Siem Reap

Authentic Khmer Village Resort

Siem Reap

Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort

Siem Reap

La Villa du Bonheur

Siem Reap

Viroth's Hotel

Siem Reap

The Tito Suite Residence

Siem Reap

 

Recommended Cambodia Tour Themes

Couldn't find suitable trip for you? Let us help you!

Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.

Flag Counter