Have you noticed the lotus blossoms? Wat Botum is also known as the Temple of the Lotus Blossoms. It stands serenely in the heart of Phnom Penh.
Wat Botum is one of Phnom Penh’s oldest and most important pagodas. King Ponhea Yat ordered its construction in the 15th century. That makes it around 600 years old. Originally, it was called Wat Khpob Ta Yang. This name came from Ta Yang, the plantation owner of the land.
Later, in the 19th century, King Norodom rebuilt the temple. He renamed it Wat Botum Vatey Reachvararam. This translates to “the temple of the king with a lotus flower as a fence”. Today, we simply call it Wat Botum.
King Norodom received a Bodhisattva tree from Sri Lanka in 1887. He held a three-day ceremony to plant it in front of Wat Botum.
Look at the viharn. It is the assembly hall. It has been recently restored. Inside, you will find a golden Buddha in meditation. There is also a Reclining Buddha. A painting of a forest with the Bodhi tree adorns the wall behind them. The ceiling has colourful paintings. They depict Buddhist stories.
Notice the stupas around the temple grounds. They hold the ashes of monks and important people. You can also see a white Buddha statue seated on lotus flowers. He is meditating under a tree.
There is a depiction of the “churning of the sea of milk” story. Here, Asuras are pulling Vasuki.
Wat Botum is not just a temple. It is also a place of reflection and remembrance. Many politicians and eminent persons are buried here. Prominent Cambodian monks have been ordained at Wat Botum.
Outside the temple, you can relax in Botum Park. This well-kept park is popular with locals. Children can play in the playground on the north end.
You will see the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument. It is a Soviet-style depiction of soldiers and a woman holding a baby. The monument commemorates the liberation of Phnom Penh from the Khmer Rouge by the Vietnamese army.
Wat Botum opens daily from 7 am to 6 pm. Botum Park is open 24 hours a day. Entrance is free to Wat Botum. Please dress respectfully. Cover your knees and shoulders. Take off your shoes before entering any building.
Wat Botum stands as a testament to Cambodia’s enduring spirit. It has seen centuries of change. It remains a place of peace, beauty and cultural significance.