Explore
Discover the four peripheral ponds and symbolic statues that surround the central sanctuary.
Neak Pean operated as a spiritual hospital in the late 12th century. Pilgrims visited the site to balance their elements through water purification rituals.
Today, visitors can view the four smaller basins connected to the main central pool. The site features intricate water conduits and the Balaha horse sculpture rising from the reservoir.
10 minutesCosmological elements
Four smaller basins connect to the main pool. Each basin represents one of the cosmological elements: Water, Earth, Fire, and Wind. Ancient pilgrims believed bathing in these specific interconnected waters would balance their elements and cure illness.
5 minutesCentral pond location
This prominent stone sculpture depicts a flying horse emerging from the water. It portrays the Bodhisattva Lokeshvara rescuing drowning merchants. You can find this statue in the central pond. It appears to be swimming toward the eastern edge of the island.
10 minutesLook inside vaulted chapels
Four ornamental stone spouts historically fed water from the central pool into the smaller ponds. These spouts are carved as an elephant, a horse, a lion, and a human head. Peer into the small vaulted chapels connecting the pools to spot these unique water conduits.
