Gleaming silver tiles greet your eyes. Welcome to the Preah Ream Pot Sor Pagoda also known as the Silver Pagoda. This magnificent temple sits within the Royal Palace complex. Its official name is Wat Ubaosoth Ratanaram. It’s also called Wat Preah Keo Morakot the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The Silver Pagoda isn’t just a pretty face. It holds immense historical and cultural significance for Cambodia. Built between 1892 and 1902 it was originally constructed of wood and brick. King Norodom oversaw its creation. The pagoda’s design reflects traditional Cambodian architecture.
Later damaged the temple underwent a complete reconstruction in 1962. Queen Kosamak Neary Rath spearheaded the project. Her son Samdach Preah Norodom Sihanouk directed the work. Reinforced concrete replaced the original materials. Italian marble and over 5000 silver tiles adorn its floors.
Inside you’ll find a treasure trove of national treasures. Hundreds of Buddha statues crafted from gold silver bronze and precious stones fill the temple. Most striking is a life-sized Maitreya Buddha. Made of 90 kilograms of gold it is encrusted with 9584 diamonds. The largest diamond weighs 25 carats. This stunning statue was created between 1906 and 1907. It is a testament to the skill of the palace workshops. Sadly much of its original two thousand diamonds were lost after the Cambodian Civil War.
Another highlight is the Emerald Buddha. While some believe it is a 17th-century Baccarat crystal creation this is incorrect. Baccarat crystal wasn’t invented until the 18th century. Some sources suggest Lalique a 19th-20th century glass designer crafted it. Regardless its beauty captivates all who see it.
The walls themselves tell a story. Murals depicting the Reamker epic painted between 1903 and 1904 cover them. These stunning works are 642 meters long and 3 meters high. Forty Cambodian artists under the direction of architect Oknha Tep Nimit created this masterpiece. The Reamker paintings offer a unique take on the Indian Ramayana. Some scenes deviate significantly.
The Silver Pagoda has played a pivotal role in Cambodian history. King Norodom Sihanouk even lived there for a year after becoming a monk in 1947. Today it remains a site of national and royal ceremonies. The cremated remains of Norodom Sihanouk rest within the temple’s compound specifically the Kantha Bopha stupa.
Soak in the grandeur of the Preah Ream Pot Sor Pagoda. Marvel at its history its art its sheer opulence. It is a true reflection of Cambodia’s rich heritage a site you will never forget.