Ek Phnom Temple in Battambang Province
Being not so far from Battambang Town and being famous
throughout Battambang, Prasat Ek Phnom is one of the ancient stone temples in
Battambang built since Angkor Era. Ek means the best; phnom refers to mountain;
prasat is temple, so together its name means the best artificial mountain
temple since mountain in here is made by ancient architects. The architectural
value of this temple is surely admired for the creative and smart ideas of
ancient Khmer architects. Remaining sculpture is still good admiring the talent
of local ancient Khmer architect in Battambang. Studying the plan of the
temple, water surrounding the temple and structural arrangement as other
temples in Angkor City could be seen clearly with the only remained plan, but
not the good appearance of the temple. The outside wall (Kampeng) of the temple
almost fell down years ago with the broken temple and many stone parts and broken
sculpture of the temple are lying on the top floor. Surrounding water has been
being there without change, but temple is so seriously in danger. Some windows
and gates of the outside wall remained only a bit sign showing that this is the
window or gate; some sculptures was taken from the wall of the temple by
thieves to sell to Thailand. Department of Culture and Arts in Battambang used
to propose the ideas for repairing this temple as well as the other broken
temples in this province years ago, but Ministry of Culture and Arts seemed to
ignore for this request, so all temples have been almost falling down from year
to year and are going to disappear soon the good look of architectural plan and
main temple. Near the temple, Wat Ek Phnom (Ek Phnom Pagoda) with good
sculpture has been built for Buddhism after the fall of Hinduism in country; big
Buddha statue was also built near the temple to attract more people to visit
there. During Khmer New Year or holiday, many local visitors went there for
relax with family and photographing. Most Khmer people in Battambang enjoy
spending time picnic with family or friends in Ek Phnom Temple. Some Thai
tourists and other foreign tourists were sometimes seen to visit this temple,
too. At last, there is the appeal to Ministry of Culture and Arts as well as
other generous international organizations or institutions or individual to
contribute to the repairing of broken temples in Battambang and other temples
throughout Cambodia. “Treasure in hand for tourism, protection is important
to attract more tourists as well as income increasing!” “Culture is the soul of
the nation, so keeping it well!”
By: POK Panhavuth
