Neapaëan

• Address: Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Denomination: Buddhism
• Founded: the second half of the 12th century
• Status: restored

Neakpean is an ancient Buddhist temple in Cambodia . This is an architectural and religious miracle in Angkor, on a circular artificial island, in the middle of the barrack near Preahkhan. Nearby are the cities of Nakhonratchasima, Buonmethuot, Danang. Staying in such a place is akin to a fascinating journey in which you learn a lot about the world around you and even yourself. That's why you should start going on a trip right now.

Features of architecture

Currently, the temple consists of 4 basins in the form of a square, located behind the lateritic wall. The area of ​​the central basin is 70 m ² . From shore to water, massive steps lead. In the center is an island with a separate structure, which is also called "prasat".

On the temple island there are several sculptures of mythical snake-like creatures, and the central island resembles a lotus bud - a sacred plant for the countries of the East. In the walls of Neapaán, there are many false doors, depicting Lokeshvara, the Bodhisattva of Empathy. Under them on the pediments one can view scenes from the life of the Buddha.

The temple was restored by anastilysis, that is, the reconstruction of the monument from its separate parts.

It is interesting!

Apart from the unusual architecture, Neakpean has a really fascinating history. The temple was built by the King of the Khmer Empire himself, Jawyarman VII, who also built many other structures, by the way, for medical purposes. As for the actual temple of Neacapena, scientists are still not sure of its actual purpose.

The most popular is the version that the temple is Anavataptu - a magical lake that can cure any diseases. This explains the location to the right of the island of the statue of Bakhala, which is the four basins, which, in turn, are symbols of the four main elements: fire, water, wind and earth. People believed that by going through all the pools, the diseases would leave their body and soul, for they would become one in the person of Fire, Water, Wind and Earth. You just need to unite all the components, and the impossible will become possible. In any case, in the 12th century, the local population believed in it all with their own nuances. And, by the way, Neakpean is translated literally as "a temple of intertwined naga".

How to get there?

Neakpean is located in the valley of the temples of Angkor, around the East Baraya. You can reach it on foot, heading west from Ta Soma or north-west from the center of East Baraya. Not far from the temple are the famous Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the temples Bayon and Ta Prom.

Until the very temple complex of Angkor will have to go from the city of Siem Reap on the route number 6 by taxi or tuk-tuk. You, most likely, will be offered to rent a taxi for the whole day, which will cost about 25-30 dollars. However, you can bargain and significantly reduce the price. Rent a tuk-tuka a day costs only 10-15 dollars, so it's better to use this kind of local transport. A budget tourist can rent a bicycle and travel among the temples on it. The cost is about 2-5 dollars a day.