Neak Pean

Constructed at the second half of the 12th century by king Jayavarman VII (1181-1220). Religion: Buddhist. Art style: Bayon.

Neak Pean is located in the center of the Jayatataka or Northern Baray and placed on the same axis as Preah Khan. The temple seems to have served as a place where pilgrims could go and take the waters, both physically and symbolically – the Khmer equivalent of a spa. The central pond is a replica of Lake Anavatapta in the Himalayas, situated at the top of the universe, which gives birth to the four great rivers of the earth. These rivers are represented at Neak Pean by sculpted gargoyles corresponding to the four cardinal points. The temple of Neak Pean is set in a large, square, man-made pond 700m each side, bordered by steps and surrounded by four smaller square ponds.