Visit ancient Hindu rock carvings in Phnom Kulen National Park

via Phnom Penh Post, 04 July 2019: I actually studied this site as part of my PhD research at the ANU. Besides the 10-11th century rock carvings, there is also red rock paintings and more recent black drawings at the same site – they are not mentioned at all in the story.

The scenic northern section of Phnom Kulen National Park was once the site of ancient city of the Khmer Empire Mahendraparvata, or Mountain of the Great Indra. Today, the long gone city’s splendour lives on in stunning rock carvings depicting Hindu deities.

Hidden in the forest, the 11th century carvings have a wonderful history that attracts archaeological students and tourists curious about the ancient city.

In Hindu-Buddhist belief, people consider mounds, cascades, valleys, storms, rain, thunder and spirits as guardians that look after forests and villages.

Overhanging rocks on mountains are also believed to be a sacred place to have temples or shrines, and though they are rare, carvings and ancient inscriptions of deities in such locations can still be found today

Source: Visit ancient Hindu rock carvings in Phnom Kulen National Park | Phnom Penh Post