Neak Pean
Neak Pean (‘Coiled Serpents’) is an artificial island with a Buddhist
temple at the centre of Jayatataka Baray, or the Pool of Jayavarman. The name is
derived from the sculptures of snakes (Naga) running around the base of the temple
structure. Neak Pean was originally designed for medical purposes, as it is one
of the many hospitals Jayvarman the seventh built. It is based on the ancient Hindu
belief of balance. Four connected pools represent the Water, Earth, Fire and Wind.
The ancients believe that going in these pools would balance the elements in you,
thus curing your disease. In the middle of the four healing ponds is the central
water source. There is a statue of Bahala (Bodisavatta Guan Yin transformed into
a horse), as a symbol of drowning prevention.