Kbal Spean Mountain

Kbal Spean Mountain

Kbal Spean Mountain

Date:                                 Built in early elevenfth century

Religion:                           Hinduism

King:                                 Soryavarman I (1002-1049)

Posthumous name:      Paramanirvanapada

 

Kbal Spean is commonly known as the Valley of 1000 Lingas. It locates deep in the Jungle and it takes us one hour and a half to drive from Siem Reap down town. This ancient site was established by a king Suryavarman I in early 11^th century and it was used by other kings until the 13^th century.

Kbal Spean is well-maintained and the marked trail is easy to climb. A 45 minute-hiking takes us to the river and waterfall where innumerable stone phalluses carved on the riverbed. The most recurrent theme depicted is the recreation of the world fallen into chaos.The God Vishnu reclines on the ocean in meditation, absorbing the watery chaos below; from his navel there grows a lotus flower bearing the recreator, Brahma.      

Flowing past and over these reliefs, the water is sanctified before branching off to form the Siem Reap and Puok rivers which continue south onto the plain and through the temple complexes of Angkor to the Tonle Sap lake.

Although the path is steep, with steps in some places, the waterfall near the top is a nice cool place to relax. There’s also abundant wildlife, particularly butterflies, to enhance the visit.