Taken with Nikon D60, dated May 2009
Kbal Spean is well known with its spectacularly carved riverbed which set in the forested mountain, Kulen Mountain. Kbal Spean is about 12 kilometers past Banteay Srey. From the parking area, it was a 1500 meter hike through the jungle, about 45 minutes to the carved area. While most of the walk is a gentle slope uphill, there are two rough spots that require some steep climbs.
Taken with Nikon D60, dated May 2009
Kbal Spean actually means "The Bridgehead". It is commonly known as the river of 1000 lingas due to the presence of the estimated one thousand lingas on the riverbed. The linga is a simple phallic shape, the symbol of the God Shiva and his powers of creation. Its riverbanks are also dotted with sculpted stone lingas on the pedestals. Big brown rocks around the river and the waterfall are carved of Buddha and Hindu deities. Those images of various gods and sacred lingas are carved into the rocks of the riverbed is said to fertilize the water. The water flowing down the river would thus be blessed by the carvings before coursing on to Angkor.
No comments:
Post a Comment