Overview

• Late 12th Century
• Religion: Buddhist
• Patron: Jayavarman VII
• Style: Bayon

Purpose

This temple was a shrine to Avalokiteshvara.

Significance

This is a very unique monument in its layout and narrative.

History

Though the existing version of this monument dates to Jayavarman VII, this was originally a royal Hindu site.

Description

Neak Pean was constructed in the middle of the Northern Baray, and was originally reached only by boat. The main monument is a man-made pool, 70 meters on each side, with four smaller pools located on each side at the cardinal directions. In the center of the main pool sits a circular island. On this island is the central sanctuary, shaped like a cruciform. To the east of the island is a statue of Balaha, the Bodhisattva Lokesvara in the shape of a horse, who assists drowning sailors. Water moves through the temple via spouts at the cardinal points. These spouts are carved to represent various things including a human face and several animal faces.