Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh

The Silver Pagoda is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Its floors are covered with 5,000 gleaming silver tiles, weighing more than 5 tonnes. Originally made of wood by King Norodom,, who was apparently inspired by Wat Pra Keo in Bangkok, it was rebuilt in 1962 and now houses a priceless collection of religious and cultural treasures. It was preserved by the Khmer Rouge as witness to the outside world that it was concerned about preserving Cambodia’s cultural treasures. However, more than half of its contents were destroyed, but what remains is a dazzling.

Glorious Buddhas

The Emerald Buddha, believed to be made of 17th century Baccarat crystal, sits on a gilded dais above all the other Buddhas. In front of it is a standing Buddha, made almost entirely of gold and heavily encrusted with nearly10,000 diamonds, the largest being 25 carats

There is a small silver and gold stupa containing a relic of Buddha from Sri Lanka, and this in turn is flanked by a silver and bronze Buddha. Nearby gold figurines narrate the story of Buddha’s life.

Walls of Art

Hanging on the temple walls are examples of Khmer artistry such as masks used in classical dance and dozens of gold Buddhas. Murals depicting the epic Ramayana, or Reamker, as it is known in Cambodian, are painted on the walls of the covered walkway which circles the temple courtyard.

Library and Shrines

Other buildings within the compound include the mondap or library which houses sacred Buddhist texts written on palm leaves and Phnom Mondap, an artificial hill with a shrine containing a bronze footprint of Buddha. There is an equestrian statue of King Norodom, a bell tower and shrines of various kings including that of King Norodom, and the grandparents of the current King Sihamoni.

A visit to Silver Pagoda is a must for those visiting Phnom Penh.