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Explore the Mysteries of Phnom Koulen – the Holiest Mountain in Cambodia

Nestling in the southern extension of the Dangrek Mountains in the Svay Leu District, 48 kilometers away from Siem Reap rests the Phnom Koulen National Park. One of the most scenic and historically significant locations in the area, the park falls along the journey to Prasat Banteay Srei, making a beautiful natural complement to the intricate manmade wonders of the ancient citadel.

 

The old Angkorians knew this area as the Mahendraparvata, which means the Mountain of Great Indra, the Creator God in Hindu belief. This was also the place where the founder of the Khmer Empire, Jayavarman II declared himself Chakravartin, or King of Kings. Studies by French scholars have determined that the Rong Chen shrine located here is the first temple mountain. The area also served as a quarry for construction material in the development of Angkor, the pinnacle of ancient Khmer glory.

 

Blanketed with lush green vegetation and adorned with waterfalls, the mountain slopes gently into a scenic valley at its foot. The grounds are peppered with spots of special note, both natural and manmade in significance. The Chup Preah is a plain in the valley surrounded by cool streams. In this picturesque picnic spot stands a large Buddhist statue and a host of others all hewn during the 16th century. One of the most celebrated aspects combining the natural and the manmade is Kbal Spean, or the River of a Thousand Lingas. The sandstone rock bed of this shallow river is carvings of the Shiva phallus and its female counterpart Yoni symbols, interspersed with depictions of reclining Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma gods. This is said to have been done to assist the scared waters in better fertilizing the plains below.

 

The terrace of Sdach Kamlung is notable for the small ruined temple at its center, found upstream from one of the waterfalls.  One of the most imposing sights is the statue of the reclining Buddha that has been carved out of a giant sandstone boulder and stands at a height of 8 meters. This is flanked by two towering and rare Cham Pa trees.

 

Two magnificent waterfalls are the crowning beauties of the park. One is relatively short, but boasts a width while the other falls from a height of 15 meters. The multi-tiered descent of rock face makes the resulting cascades of white water ever more enchanting and musical. The area at the top of the taller falls is ideal for picnics and a tranquil rest after a day of climbing and sight-seeing.

 

This area is best accessible from a Siem Reap hotel. For those who wish to see the grandeur of the ancients replicated in their lodging place, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor is an ideal Angkor hotel within proximity to all the great sights of the ancient Khmer kingdom.

About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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