Kh 19 - Anybody Need A Doctor?

“You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end each of us must work for his own improvement, and at the same time share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful.”
- Marie Skłodowska–Curie (1867 – 1934), Polish-born French physicist and chemist.

Neak Pean temple

Well the next temple very interesting. It have more purpose in serving the community rather than grandiose monument that just to please the ruler.

Neak Pean or means "The entwined serpents" which actually showed by its structure built. The serpent or Naga considered as holy and people believed it brought them cure for illness. This temple - as I mentioned earlier was built by King Jayavarman VII to aid his people.

The central pond with the temple altar. Noted there are 2 Naga / serpent entwined the altar - thus the name derived from. It also contains Balaha, one of Lokesvara image that turn onto a horse to save the merchants from the attack by ogresses on an island.

The temple was built based on Anavatapta - a mythical Buddha lake in Himalaya that was believed it water can cure illnesses. It have a central lake with a temple in the middle with 4 other lakes situated at the cardinal side of the main lake. Each represent 4 main elements : earth, fire, wind and water; based on Hindu understandings or believes of balance.

OK - this is how it works in the past.

From left : as usual when you're sick - you need to see the doctor or priest that usually stays here by the temple; the priest will examine you and look what your element you was born with and next you have to go to the assign element pool - this one is the north pool, somehow have partially dried even after the raining season.

From left : the priest will row a wooden boat to the center and pray to God on the altar to ask for His help; while at that time - you have to wait patiently inside this treatment room.

From left : after he got the sign or his prayer been heard - the priest will take a bowl of water from the central pond - ride back to the shore and pour it inside on one of this structure; so that the water will pass through the linga sign - purified it before it flow to you.

The water eventually run through one of this 'head's mouth' while you collect it with your hand. Each pool have different 'head' based on the element. The elephant is on the north while the human head on the east side. Others are lion (south) and horse (east). So, after you drink the holy water - with help from god you'll be cure from the illness. Walla!

If I do live during that time - I can see myself working here - as a priest doctor. So, anybody need a doctor?