Wat Phnom is more than just a Buddhist temple. It is a symbol of the city’s history, identity, and faith. Located on a small hill in the center of Phnom Penh, Wat Phnom is the highest point in the capital and the most sacred site for its people.
The legend of Wat Phnom dates back to 1372, when a wealthy widow named Daun Penh found four Buddha statues and one Vishnu statue inside a floating tree in the river. She decided to build a temple on top of the hill to house the statues, and named it Wat Phnom, meaning “hill temple”. The hill itself was called Phnom Penh, or “Penh’s hill”, after her. Later, King Ponhea Yat moved his capital from Angkor to Phnom Penh and built his palace near Wat Phnom. He also enlarged the hill and the temple, and buried his ashes in a stupa behind the main shrine.
Wat Phnom has been rebuilt and renovated many times over the centuries, reflecting the changes in the political and religious landscape of Cambodia. It has witnessed the rise and fall of kingdoms, the colonial era, the Khmer Rouge regime, and the modern development. Today, Wat Phnom is a complex of buildings and gardens that showcase various architectural styles and cultural influences. The main entrance is guarded by lions and nagas, the mythical snakes of Hinduism and Buddhism. The main shrine houses a large bronze Buddha, surrounded by paintings that depict his life story and the Reamker, the Khmer version of the Ramayana epic. Behind the shrine, there are several stupas that contain the relics of King Ponhea Yat and other royal family members. Around the hill, there are many smaller shrines and statues that represent different deities and spirits, such as Daun Penh, Preah Chau, Neak Ta, Taoism, Confucianism, and Hinduism.
Wat Phnom is not only a place of worship, but also a place of celebration and community. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, who come to pray, make offerings, light incense, meditate, or simply enjoy the scenery. Wat Phnom is especially crowded during festivals and holidays, such as Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben, Visak Bochea, and Bon Om Touk. People come to participate in various rituals and activities, such as washing Buddha statues, listening to monks’ sermons, playing traditional games, watching cultural performances, or joining boat races on the river. Wat Phnom is also a place where people seek blessings and guidance for their personal lives. Many people believe that Wat Phnom has miraculous powers to grant wishes and heal illnesses. They often make vows to donate money or perform good deeds if their prayers are answered.
Wat Phnom is more than just a Buddhist temple. It is a symbol of the city’s history, identity, and faith. It is a place where people connect with their past, present, and future. It is a place where people express their gratitude, hope, and compassion. It is a place where people celebrate their culture and spirituality. It is the heart and soul of Phnom Penh.
