Cambodia

Nicknamed the "Lotus Flower Pagoda," Wat Botum is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Phnom Penh. You can easily spot this monument while heading toward Wat Botum Park or the Royal Palace. Don’t miss visiting Wat Botum during your trip to Cambodia, as it is one of the monuments that marked the feudal era of the country.

History

Wat Botum was established in 1442, during the reign of the last king of the Khmer Empire, Ponhea Yat. It is one of the most important and oldest wats in Phnom Penh. Originally named "Khpop Ta Yang" or "Tayawng," the temple came under the leadership of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya around 1860. It was then renamed "Botum Wathei" by the monk Kanite Topodae, after its former lotus pond. The monument also became a place where several important figures were buried. Numerous consecrations of bhiksus (monks) were also performed at the temple. In the 1970s, the Khmer Rouge closed the pagoda, but it was not destroyed. In 1979, after the regime’s fall, the pagoda was reopened and reused by the Mohanikae sect. Today, Wat Botum serves as the headquarters for You Bo, the association of Khmer writers.

Visiting Wat Botum

Description

The current structure of the pagoda is the result of a reconstruction carried out in 1937 by Bat Samdech Sisowat Monivong. Wat Botum is a large complex made up of several buildings, small temples, stupas, and a school. The temple was recently rebuilt and repainted. The entire complex spans about 260 meters in length.

What to see at the Temple?

During your visit to the complex, you'll see monks everywhere, either taking a nap, sitting in the shade, or performing maintenance tasks.

Upon entering, you’ll be struck by the large stupa shaped like a monster holding a dagger between its teeth, supported by two nagas (mythical serpent-like creatures) to the left of the main door.

In front of the Vihara (the main monastery), there is a plaque with details of the history and construction of the wat. At the back of the Vihara, you’ll find life-sized statues of tigers and lions, adopting very realistic forms.

Inside the monastery, you’ll encounter familiar and typical scenes from the life of Buddha. The paintings are relatively recent, with clear, vibrant colors. Beautiful illustrations depict the story of Ou Li Rie, the enraged elephant bowing before Buddha, and Cheng Cha, the prostitute who claimed to have conceived a child with Buddha. Other rare scenes show Buddha levitating with rocks around him, demonstrating his power. Another painting depicts Buddha telling his disciple, Mokalean, to fight a naga and later transform into the creature.

Next to these illustrations is a scene recounting the story of Prince Anaan, who renounced his fiancée to become a monk. Two golden sandals, symbolizing Yasa, are also painted near this illustration.

There is a small room outside the Vihara where you will find the five reincarnations of Buddha in animal form: the rooster, the tortoise, the naga, the ox, and the lion-dog. Two fierce white tigers guard this room. There is also a large painting of Angkor Wat.

Other scenes from the Jataka tales are illustrated in the other buildings of the monastery. One of these stories includes Mahasot, Puritoat, and Promenart.

On the temple altar, you’ll find a candlestick resembling an ox yoke, a small temple with an ornate throne, and numerous Buddha statues.

How to get there

Wat Botum is located on Oknha Suor Srun 7 Street, in Sangkat Chaktomuk, Khan Daun Penh, just south of the Royal Palace of Cambodia and on the west side of Wat Botum Park. You can reach the pagoda by renting a tuk-tuk, taxi, or simply taking a bus from the city center.

Hours

• The temple is open every day.