Cambodia

Kbal Spean is an ancient temple located 50 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap city and about 18 kilometers from Banteay Srei. More precisely, the temple is set along a 1,500-meter stretch of the Stung Kbal Spean River, on the Phnom Kulen plateau. Famous as the temple of the 1000 lingas of Angkor, it is a magnificent site that should not be missed.

History

The carvings began during the reign of King Suryavarman I and were completed under the reign of King Udayadityavarman II. These two kings ruled between the 11th and 12th centuries.

The carvings primarily consist of 1,000 lingas or lingams, created in honor of a minister of King Suryavarman I. They were carved by hermits of the region. Inscriptions dating from the reign of King Udayadityavarman II can also be found on the site. One inscription even states that the king consecrated a golden linga here in 1059.

Legend also says that the Siem Reap River, which flows through Angkor, is blessed by these sacred lingas over which its waters pass. The archaeological site was discovered in 1969 by Jean Boulbet, a French ethnologist and member of the EFEO (École française d'Extrême-Orient). However, due to the civil war, excavations were halted from 1975 until 1998. Since then, the site has been open to the public.

Exploring Kbal Spean

The River of a Thousand Lingas

As an archaeological site of Angkor, Kbal Spean is renowned for its spectacular 200-meter sculpted riverbed. The lingas carved into the plateau represent the yonin and various images of Hindu deities. One can also see a sculpture of Lord Vishnu meditating, lying on a serpent. This sculpture is particularly marked by the lotus flower emerging from Vishnu's navel, which supports the creator god Brahma. According to journalist Teppo Tukki, the lingams measure approximately 25 centimeters per side and are 10 centimeters deep.

The name, also translated as “the head of the bridge,” refers to the natural rock bridge spanning the stream. The lingas are also considered sacred phallic symbols of Brahmanism. They symbolize fertility, and some are carved directly into the rock. Above the small waterfall, one can also find carvings of gods and animals.

Hydrography

The Stung Kbal Spean River is a tributary of the Siem Reap River, which has its source north of Banteay Srei in the Kulen Mountains. The Siem Reap River, originating from Angkor, is said to be blessed by the sacred lingas of the Stung Kbal Spean River.

Geography

Kbal Spean is described as a richly carved riverbed located in the heart of the Angkor jungle. It cuts through sandstone formations, with numerous architectural sculptures carved directly into the rock. The site lies along a stretch of the Stung Kbal Spean River, beginning 1,500 meters upstream from the head of the bridge and continuing downstream toward the waterfalls. The river branches off into the Siem Reap and Puok Rivers and eventually flows into Tonlé Sap Lake, crossing plains and the entire Angkor temple complex.

What to do?

After a two-hour journey through the heart of the tropical forest and a 1.5-kilometer walk, you will be rewarded upon arrival. Once there, you can walk along the river and admire the sacred lingas. It is said that to receive blessings and good fortune, you should sprinkle the water onto your hands and face.

Since the river is located near Phnom Kulen National Park, the Angkor site offers stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. Moreover, the paths leading to Kbal Spean will take you through beautiful Cambodian landscapes. You will pass charming rural villages, expansive rice fields, and gain a glimpse of Cambodian lifestyle and culture.

How to get there

To reach Angkor, take a tuk-tuk from the city center. The journey takes between one and two hours. The trail then follows a dirt road deep in the jungle, with a 30-minute walk through the tropical forest.

Best time to visit Kbal Spean

• The site can be visited year-round, but the ideal period is between July and December.