Phnom Kulen

Phnom Kulen is a sacred hilltop site 30km from Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Phnom Kulen is widely regarded as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire and is located some 48km from Siem Reap.Of special religious meaning to Hindus and Buddhists, it was at Phnom Kulen that King Jayavarma II proclaimed independence from Java in 802 A.D. [cite web|url=http://www.cambodia-travel.com/angkor/phnom_kulen.htm|title=Phnom Kulen|publisher=Cambodia Travel|accessdate=October 5|accessyear=2008]

The site is known for its carvings representing fertility and its waters which hold special signifcance to Hindus. Just 5cm under the water's surface are over 1000 small carvings are etched into the sandstone riverbed. The waters are regarded as holy, given that Jayavarman II chose to bathe in the river, and had the river diverted so that the stone bed could be carved. Carvings include a stone representation of the Hindu god Vishnu laying on his serpent Ananta, with his wife Lakshmi at his feet. cite web|author=Friess, Steve|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,501020506-233983,00.html|date=April 29 2002|title=Beyond, Literally, Angkor Wat|publisher=Time Magazine|accessdate=October 5|accessyear=2008] A lotus flower protrudes from his navel bearing the god Brahma. The river then ends with a waterfall and a pool.

The Khmer Rouge used the location as a final stronghold as their regime came to an end in 1979. Nearby is Preah Ang Tho, a 16th century Buddhist monastery notable for the giant reclining Buddha, the country's largest.

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