Neak Pean

A small island temple called "entwined serpents" that can only be reached via a wooden walkway over the water. Vendors selling fruit, cold drinks and souvenirs gather near the entrance. A few men who have lost limbs from land mines will serenade you while you walk. The island temple was associated with Preah Khan temple, built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. It may have been built to represent Anavatapta, a mythical lake with healing powers, in the Himalayas. It has the sculptures of snakes (Nāga) running around the base of the temple. Four connected pools represent Water, Earth, Fire and Wind. Each is connected to the central water source by a stone conduit presided over by one of Four Great Animals - Elephant, Bull, Horse, and Lion - corresponding to the north, east, south, and west quarters. Each separate pool was believed to have a different healing property and bathing in them was supposed to cure disease. The only remaining statue is that of the horse Balaha, which is clearly visible in the dry season.