How many secrets do you think these gleaming silver tiles hold? I am excited to share the story of Kaok Kak Pagoda with you. This temple is not just a place of worship. It is a treasure trove of Cambodian history and artistry.
Kaok Kak Pagoda is officially named Wat Ubaosoth Ratanaram. It is also known as Wat Preah Keo Morokat. That means “Temple of the Emerald-Crystal Buddha”. Locals often shorten it to Wat Preah Keo. But most foreigners know it as the Silver Pagoda.
Its nickname comes from the 5329 silver tiles covering the floor. Each tile is handcrafted. Each tile weighs 1.125kg. Only a small area of these tiles is visible to the public.
The Royal Palace founded Kaok Kak Pagoda in Phnom Penh in 1866. The pagoda has a unique history within the royal compound. King Norodom was inspired by Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew. He originally constructed it of wood in 1892. It was rebuilt in 1962.
Imagine King Norodom walking these grounds. Consider the monks’ sermons and royal ceremonies held here. Kaok Kak Pagoda does not house any monks. But the King meets monks here to listen to their sermons. Royal ceremonies also take place.
Inside Kaok Kak Pagoda, over 1650 precious objects are displayed. The Emerald Buddha sits on a gilded dais. Some say it is baccarat crystal. Other sources maintain it was made of emerald. Regardless, it is a breathtaking sight.
The life-sized gold Maitreya Buddha stands in front of it. King Sisowath commissioned it. This Buddha weighs 90 kg. It glitters with 9584 diamonds. The largest diamond weighs 25 carats. Palace workshops created it between 1906 and 1907.
A miniature silver and gold stupa holds a Buddha relic from Sri Lanka. There is also an 80kg bronze Buddha. To the right, you can see a silver Buddha. Solid gold figurines tell the Buddha’s story on the far right.
Khmer Rouge chose to keep much of Kaok Kak Pagoda intact for propaganda. But many treasures were still looted from 1975 to 1979. What remains is spectacular. It embodies the brilliance of Khmer civilization.
Look around at the walls of the pagoda compound. Murals depict the Reamker. It is the Khmer version of the Ramayana. These murals were painted in 1903-1904. Cambodian artists worked under Oknha Tep Nimit Mak. Some sections are deteriorated due to weather. Restoration efforts have revived the vibrancy of these murals.
The equestrian statue of King Norodom is another highlight. French artist Eude completed it in 1875 in Paris. It was placed here in 1892. King Sihanouk added the canopy in 1953. This honored King Norodom during Cambodia’s independence.
The cremated remains of Norodom Sihanouk rest in the stupa of Kantha Bopha here. Stupas also hold the ashes of King Ang Doung and King Norodom. Each corner of Kaok Kak Pagoda tells a story.
Kaok Kak Pagoda stands as a testament to Cambodia’s resilience. It also shows its rich cultural heritage. Take a moment to appreciate the history and artistry around you. These gleaming tiles and jeweled statues whisper tales of kings and empires. They echo the enduring spirit of Cambodia.