The Lingas of Kbal Spean

[khiemtran]

On to a different kind of sacred site next, and we're in Kbal Spean in the Kulen hills, famous for its "the river of a thousand lingas".



The waters here flow into the Siem Reap river, which it turns flows through the old site of Angkor, before reaching Tonle Sap.



Here at Kbal Spean, it is blessed and purified as it flows past, or over, hundreds of lingas, representing the god Shiva, effectively then blessing the temples and cities below, and the great lake itself.



In the past, the Khmer kings would come here to purify themselves each year. Water was also critical to the Khmer empire as so much depended on the ebb and flow of the great lake and cycle of wet and dry seasons. If crops failed in a single wet season, famine would surely ensue.



It's the dry season now, and most of the lingas are above the waterline.



An example of a linga near the shore. The central cylinder represents a phallus and the outer box or yoni, its female equivalent.



As the day heats up, the creek remains cool and magical. It is easy to see this as a sacred place.



Hindu carvings also line the rocks, both above and below the waterline. It's difficult to spot them at first.



Here's a closeup of the scene beneath the overhanging rock.



Not long ago, this area was a Khmer Rouge stronghold. Now it's a National Park and authorities are working to protect and replenish the wildlife in the area. A wonderful place to visit.

Comments

[puddleshark.livejournal.com]

That is just so beautiful - the old stones and the shade, and the play of light on water... Thank you!

[khiemtran.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. It was actually quite a nice change to go there are walking around all the temples, although some of the temples were also covered in jungle and well-shaded too.