"The Sacred Floating Stone of Phnom Kulen, Cambodia"

From ancient times to the present, Phnom Kulen has been revered as the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. It is said that every temple in Cambodia, especially in Siem Reap, which is considered the "Land of Stone City" due to its construction from stone, was built using stones quarried from Phnom Kulen.

This is because Phnom Kulen is considered the equivalent of Mount Kailash or the Himalayas in ancient India. This is due to the fact that the various civilizations that flourished in ancient Khmer territory were all influenced by the ancient Srivijaya kingdom, which eventually evolved into the Shailendra kingdom of Cambodia.

In addition to Phnom Kulen, the Siem Reap province of Cambodia boasts three other prominent mountains: Phnom Bakheng, Phnom Krom, and Phnom Bok. However, unlike Phnom Kulen, these three mountains are not as expansive or towering.

King Yasovarman I selected Phnom Bakheng as the site for the capital's state temple, known as Bakheng Temple. Concurrently, he ordered the construction of three temples on Phnom Bok and Phnom Krom, dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, the principal deities of Hinduism.

As previously mentioned, King Jayavarman II relocated his capital to "Mahendraparvata," also known as "Phnom Kulen" today. This location was considered sacred during the Devaraja era due to its strategic position, towering height, and proximity to the headwaters of major rivers. King Jayavarman II transformed Phnom Kulen into the sacred "Mahendraparvata" in accordance with the Rajakula cult before returning to Hariharalaya, where he passed away. Subsequently, no king returned to rule Mahendraparvata, and the region was eventually forgotten.

When Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom were rediscovered 150 years ago, around 1860, France took control of the land and attempted to restore it. However, Cambodia regained its independence, and there was a constant struggle for power and dominance within the country. Eventually, the Khmer Rouge seized control and overthrew the monarchy.

Although the Heng Samrin government regained control from the Khmer Rouge in later years, the Khmer Rouge's influence remained strong in many strategic locations in Siem Reap, particularly the Phnom Kulen mountain range, which stretches over half the country. This has prevented the mountain range from opening up to the international community.

It is said that the Khmer Rouge were able to hold their ground on the Phnom Kulen mountain range for so long because these jungle fighters would vanish without a trace whenever they retreated to the mountain's peak, leaving no trace for anyone to find.

Over the past decade, following the Cambodian government's efforts to foster national unity, Phnom Kulen, also known as Mount Mahendraparvata, has emerged as a sacred site for the Khmer people. Archaeological discoveries have revealed that the mountaintop was once a revered location during the era of the Devaraja, and its mystical power is believed to endure even today.

Some former Khmer Rouge soldiers, now villagers residing near the Phnom Kulen mountain range, serve as guides for tourists ascending this sacred peak. They recount that, under the Khmer Rouge's strict regulations, soldiers were not obligated to adhere to religious practices. Instead, the community was prioritized. Nevertheless, individuals maintained their personal beliefs.

“Often, when we were pursued by government forces and retreated to Phnom Kulen, we felt a sense of security upon our arrival. The dense vegetation and secluded mountains provided a sense of comfort and safety. We knew that no one would die if they made it back here.”

A local Khmer guide at Phnom Kulen shared their beliefs with us.

According to local beliefs, the water from the streams of Phnom Kulen possesses healing properties beyond those of ordinary drinking water. It is said to cleanse wounds and promote rapid healing.

"The water in the stream at Kbal Spean is considered medicinal. It has been used in rituals for centuries, from the gods residing in the mountains to the thousand lingas carved beneath the water by King Jayavarman II for sacred ceremonies during his reign. These rituals continue to this day."

The guide explained that even today, Cambodians who believe in the sacredness of Phnom Kulen still travel to this place and bring bottles and containers to collect holy water. Although much time has passed, they believe that the gods continue to perform this ceremony. Otherwise, they believe that the underwater carvings would have been destroyed and decayed over the past thousand years.

The summit of this mountain is home to ancient Hindu temples, a sacred natural spring for holy water rituals, and a Buddhist temple known as "Wat Phnom Thom," perched atop the highest peak.

According to legend, during the reign of King Sri Sukhanthabutra and King Ong Chan I in 1701 AD, the people of the city witnessed a miraculous beam of light emanating from Phnom Kulen, illuminating the city of Angkor below. This celestial phenomenon was interpreted as a manifestation of the divine power residing on the mountaintop.

Subsequently, an expedition was sent to the mountaintop where the townspeople had witnessed the strange light. Upon reaching the summit of Phnom Kulen, they discovered a large boulder perched on the cliff edge at the exact spot where the light had appeared.

Driven by unwavering faith and the conviction that the rock's presence was a divine manifestation, the townspeople collaboratively carved the colossal stone into a reclining Buddha statue. The base of the statue retains its original rock form, while intricate carvings of deities offering obeisance and gifts to the Buddha adorn the structure.

The colossal Buddha statue, later known as "Preah Ang Thom," has stood atop Phnom Kulen Mountain for nearly a millennium. A sky temple was subsequently constructed to shelter the statue from the elements, transforming the site into a sacred Khmer temple. The $20 entrance fee to Cambodia covers access to this revered landmark, where both locals and international tourists flock to pay homage to the majestic Buddha.

Upon reaching the summit, visitors are compelled to pay homage to the revered deities enshrined atop this sacred site, where two distinct faiths harmoniously converge. The holy waters, imbued with the blessings of Lord Shiva, cascade through the divine passage of Goddess Parvati. Atop the mountain peak, a revered Buddha statue awaits, embodying the belief that those who endure the arduous climb to offer their prayers are destined for good fortune. With unwavering faith, their heartfelt wishes are believed to manifest into reality.

Our indigenous guide pointed to the elderly and tourists who had climbed Kulen Mountain to pay homage to the "Phra Ong Thom" Buddha statue, driven by their unwavering faith.

We arrived at the temple of Preah Ang Thom in the late afternoon, almost evening, after returning from the abandoned temple on top of Phnom Kulen. The shops in front of the temple, which are usually very busy during the day to welcome tourists, were now empty. I walked up the stairs leading to the temple of Preah Ang Thom with the photographer, accompanied by a few children from the temple who tried to explain to us what was what in Khmer.

A towering, sculpted rock formation stands majestically in the center of the temple, with two staircases leading to its summit. Atop this sacred stone, a wooden enclosure resembling a ubosot (ordination hall) shelters a colossal reclining Buddha statue, the Phra Ong Thom or Great Buddha, which occupies nearly the entire space. Incense sticks and flowers are provided for devotees to offer their respects.

Cambodians believe that if they wish for something and are determined to achieve it, they must pray to the Great Buddha. Even Cambodian leaders, both past and present, have come to pray to the Great Buddha at Wat Phra Ong Thom for important events. It is said that a Cambodian leader once prayed to the Great Buddha here to gain power over others, and in the end, he truly did.

Regrettably, during the era of power struggles, the Khmer Rouge lacked religion and faith. Otherwise, they would have achieved their desire to rule Cambodia. This exemplifies the proverb, "A monkey with a ring or a chicken with a gem," signifying the possession of valuable assets without the knowledge or ability to utilize them effectively.

Thank you

- Infinity Plus Trading Co., Ltd.

- FOTOPRO THAILAND supports photographic equipment.