Cambodia 2020 - 25. Preah Palilay

25. Preah Palilay 

Preah Palilay Temple at Top of Map - #6

Guardian Lion

Built or extensively renovated by Jayavarman VIII or an even later king, Preah Palilay is a stop at a small Temple suggested by our driver, Mr. Touch.

 

7-Headed Naga, Associated With Water, 
Fertility, Rainbows and Creation. 
Usually in the Form of a Cobra

While Jayavarman VII was a Buddhist, the next king, Jayavarman VIII, was a Hindu. Naturally, # VIII changed many things in many temples after # VII died; he destroyed many Buddha figures

Small Shrine in Front of the Preah Palilay

and replaced them with Hindu idols, which makes it difficult for today’s experts to follow the whims of the old kings.

Standing Buddha in the Small Shrine

Today this temple is Buddhist, a small shrine-like structure standing in front of the old ruins with worshipers actively praying in the Buddhist way when we visited.

Entering the Sanctuary

Tower and Sanctuary of Preah Palilay

Just before coming to this old temple, is a Buddhist School where we witnessed a man and his child being doused with cold water over and over again, by a priest. The child shivered severely from the cold water dousing.

Poor Kid

Inside the Shrine/School

Classes of ancient texts and prayers were taught in a classroom right behind this wet man. It was a very ‘active’ place, celebrating their Buddhist belief, learning the details of their religion.

It was a short stop but informative.