After saying goodbye to Phnom Penh, we traveled north to the Kampong Thom province to visit the ancient Pre-Angkorian ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk. These ruins date back to the 7th century in which the Chenla Kingdom reigned, and it is believed that they established the temples as a central royal sanctuary and capital. These temple ruins were dedicated to the Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, so their images are carved in various places all around the ruins, and in the many details on the ruins that pertain to the Hindu culture. Hinduism was brought into Cambodia from northern India through the marriage of a Cambodian princess to an Indian prince. Mariana Ponce RTGAmbassador An example of Hindu influence in Sambor Prei Kuk was in one of the temple ruins that contained a carving depicting what is known in Hinduism as the "Floating Palace" or heaven. This carved image portrays how the world is viewed in Hindusim. There are three levels of the the world: Heaven, Limbo, and Hell. This usage of the number three is used everywhere in the temple including the depictions of the Floating Palace, the trinity of the gods and the steps at the entrances of the temples. The symbolism and meticulous details in these ruins leaves me in awe and appreciation of the amazing things humankind has been capable of. I am very thankful for having been given the opportunity to experience an incredible historical site that exemplifies and celebrates a part of the wonderfully rich Cambodian culture.
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