APAD 169: The Chanchhaya Pavilion, Phnom Penh
This is the Chanchhaya Pavilion, also known as the Moonlight Pavilion ,at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. It dominates the facade of the Royal Palace along Sothearos Boulevard. Every time I pass by this place, I can’t help but admire the beautiful, distinct Khmer-classical style of architecture of this building.
This open-air pavilion, fronting the river, was originally built as a dance conservatory. It is now used as a venue for banquets and other state functions. On special occasions, locals and tourists alike come here to watch special performances of the Khmer classical dances.
In 2004, the Pavilion was used for a banquet and tribune for the new King Norodom Sihamoni during his coronation. It looks stunning, isn’t it? Have you ever wondered how it looks like at night? It is even more spectacular! If you are interested to see, please click here and here. More about the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh here.
This is my entry to this week’s Our World Tuesday. Click on the logo for more pictures of our world.
APAD 168: A Buddhist shrine
Somewhere in the thick forest of the Angkor Wat Archaeological Park in Siem Reap stands this Buddhist shrine. Although the shrine is not as old as the Angkor Wat and other temples inside the complex, a lot of visitors come to pray and bring offerings, most especially the locals.
An elderly achar, or a layman, comes to the shrine everyday to keep it maintained, making sure that the place is clean, the offerings and flowers brought by visitors are arranged well, and that incense sticks continuously burn at the altar. When he is not busy doing his chores, or, upon special request, the achar entertains his visitors by reading their palms and telling their future. Pleased visitors leave him some amount as donation.
When I visited the temple again about two years ago, I saw the achar hunched and picking up dead, fallen leaves. I lingered for a bit and engaged him in a chat. He is not usually alone, he told me. Every afternoon, the elders – his neighbours – that live in the area come by after their siesta to keep him company. Sometimes his young grandchildren also come by, bring him snacks and hangout with him, too. I wanted to ask him some more, about why he continues to do this unpaid work despite his age… about what he thinks about the changes that the ancient temples had undergone… but a new batch of visitors came and he was on his merry way to greet them. I didn’t even get the chance to take his photo. Maybe next time.
If you happen to visit Angkor Wat, please try and visit the shrine. The achar would love to meet a new friend.
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