Phnom Sambok
Phnom Sambok is a natural and historical site located in Thma Kre commune, Kratie district and Kraties province about 11 kilometers north of Kratie provincial town. One of the main culture and tourist attractions in Kratie, It was developed during the Sankum Reastr Niyum regime of then-prince Norodom Shihanouk. The site features beautiful landscape including a huge pond west of the mountain foot. The pond is full of clear water and natural plants. The mountain has two peaks, one dull and the other pointed, and has a lush forest filled with birds. A concrete staircase makes the mountaintop accessible. Once at the top, visitors are rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the countryside especially the Mekong River. There are also a number of places to relax. The mountain is steeped in legend. The once was a king named Chakrei Earsaravarman, who was a son of King Hathak Athireach Varman. After Chakrei Earsaravarman ascended to the throne, he asked his official to find a gold mine. The mine, which was very close to the foot of the mountain, turned out to be full of gold, so the people living nearby called the place Kanliang Sambo Meas. The name was later changed to Phnom Sambok Meas, then changed again to Phnom Sambok, as it is known today. The legend said, in the early 15th century, there are was a monk named Neak Voan, who was a classmate of Neak Sen, other monk and the teacher of Thon crocodile. Monk Neak Voan went to Sambok mountaintop to meditate. Because the monk knew much about ritual and magic, many people climbed the mountain to learn from him. Wat Phnom Sambok has stood there aver since.
Wat Sarsar Muoy Roy
Wat
Sarsar Muoy Roy is located in Sambok commune, about 36 kilometers north of the
provincial town. Wat Sarsar Muoy Roy was built on the site of a former royal
palace during the Zhenla period in a city named Sampopura. The site features
four Buddhist temples, each facing a different direction:
- - Vihear Sarsar Muoy Roy faces north.
- - Vihear Kork faces to the south (only the base of this temple
remains).
- - Vihear Kork Kert face east.
- - Vihear Lao face west.
During
Khmer New Year, local people who live in Sampopura city usually celebrate the
Nine days Ceremony starting with Vihear Sarsar Muoy Roy before going to Vihear
Kork and then Vihear Lao. Vihear Sarsar Muoy Roy was build in 1806. It was
about 30 meters square. First, the temple was thatched, built by king Chan
Reachea II to worship the goddess of Vihear Sarsar Muoy Roy. The king asked the
goddess to care for the soul of his daughter Preah Neang Varakak, who had been
swallowed by the Thon crocrodile. The temple is different from other temples,
because it faces north. About 100 years, the temple was damaged during a
thunderstorm. Lightening struck 22 columns, causing them to burn to the ground
and turning the face of the Buddha statue black from the smoke. Accordingly,
the temple was dismantled and rebuilt by local people with only 78 columns. In 1997,
Vihear Sarsar Muoy Roy was completely renovated. It is now 35 meters wide, 18
meters long and 23 meters high and has 116 columns. It was inaugurated on Jan
14 1998.
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