Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm

Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm are the name of two sacred Gods which has their shrine in the south of Royal Independence Gardens in Siem Reap, in front of the Raffles Grand Hotel’d Angkor.

On the Buddhist holy days and principal Buddhist events of the year, the shrine of Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm is always full with devotees bringing their offerings of flowers and fruits to make praying.

Preah Ang Chek and Preah Ang Chorm in the shrine. Picture taken during Khmer New Year 2012. We can see many Slabthor Dong are offered by prayers.

Near the shrine, there are several stores selling lotus flowers and jasmine which are already prepared to be bouquets, especially decorated coconut in which young coconut is nicely prepared and top up with betel leaves, lotus, incense sticks and candles. In Khmer, we call this prepared coconut Slabthor Dong. Live birds are also can be found nearby in cases, as it’s believed that to free birds is a way of releasing bad luck, the birds will take away all the bad things of the prayers while they’re flying into the forest.

Khmer traditional music is also need in praying or as a form of paying gratitude to Gods after their praying become true. So there is a band of traditional Khmer music in the shrine to provide this service.

Decorated coconuts for offering or Slabthor Dong, usually will offer in pairs.

Inside the shrine, at the center, two statues of standing Buddha are the statue of Preah Ang Chek and Preah Ang Chorm. They are raising one hand with palms face outward in the gesture of Abhaya Mudra, the gesture of reassurance, blessing and protection. Jasmine braiding is worn in the God’s necks and hands by devotees. Preah Ang Chek is taller and Preah Ang Chorm is the shorter one. They are both are female. Incense sticks are holding in hands by devotees while praying inside the shrine, however, there is a big bowl outside to leave incense sticks.

The shrine is built in the style of Khmer house, very beautiful, even it is small. At night, on the roof of the shrine are many light buds decorated, make the shrine brightly emerge in the garden. The shrine is bounded by low fence and at the entrance door have two Dvarapalas.

Shrine Preah Ang Chek and Preah Ang Chorm

The locals said that during the Khmer Rouge was invading Siem Reap town, they attempted to remove both Buddha statues to destroy, but the statues became very heavy as they shouldn’t be, that the Khmer Rouge could not move them and ran away with frighten.

Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm are the protection Buddha of Siem Reap town. They have been well known among the locals with their sacredness. People come to pray for health and happiness, success of business and work. Moreover, newly couples also come here to ask for blessing.