Building date: Late 12th century
Religion: Mahayana Buddhism
Style: Bayon
King: Jayavarman VII From 1181 To 1218
Location: In the north of the large circuit, between Preah Khan and Ta som.
Neak Pean is a small island temple situated in the center of the last baray (the Preah Khan Baray or Jayatataka) and was built by a Khmer king in the Angkor area. The middle temple sits on the axis of a cross or lotus design of 8 pools. Initially called Rajasri, Neak Pean got its modern name, meaning 'coiled serpents,' from the coiled nagas that encircled the temple. The temple is faced by a sculpture of the horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors. Though originally devoted to Buddha, Neak Pean consists of several Hindu images. Neak Pean might have served an absolution feature, and the waters were believed to possess healing properties.
During the dry season when the water is low, one can see human and animal headwater spouts on the outside center of each pool. Neak Pean is most photogenic in the rainy season once the pools are full. A intricate hydraulic system was developed to purify water and seems it offered people beneficial virtues. The temple by itself is of small size; however its unique construction is worth a visit. The current name of Neak Pean (coiled serpents) comes from the great number of snakes which spread to the neighbourhoods of the temple.
Turn to Angkor Temple Index
Religion: Mahayana Buddhism
Style: Bayon
King: Jayavarman VII From 1181 To 1218
Location: In the north of the large circuit, between Preah Khan and Ta som.
Neak Pean is a small island temple situated in the center of the last baray (the Preah Khan Baray or Jayatataka) and was built by a Khmer king in the Angkor area. The middle temple sits on the axis of a cross or lotus design of 8 pools. Initially called Rajasri, Neak Pean got its modern name, meaning 'coiled serpents,' from the coiled nagas that encircled the temple. The temple is faced by a sculpture of the horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors. Though originally devoted to Buddha, Neak Pean consists of several Hindu images. Neak Pean might have served an absolution feature, and the waters were believed to possess healing properties.
During the dry season when the water is low, one can see human and animal headwater spouts on the outside center of each pool. Neak Pean is most photogenic in the rainy season once the pools are full. A intricate hydraulic system was developed to purify water and seems it offered people beneficial virtues. The temple by itself is of small size; however its unique construction is worth a visit. The current name of Neak Pean (coiled serpents) comes from the great number of snakes which spread to the neighbourhoods of the temple.
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