Description of the attraction
Wat Botum, or Lotus Flower Temple, is located on Okhan Suor Srun Street and is a large complex of several separate buildings, including stupas and a school. The structure is located on the western side of the park of the same name, south of the Royal Palace.
Built at the behest of King Ponhoy Yata in 1442, Wat Botum is one of the most important and original pagodas in Phnom Penh. The temple was originally named Wat Hphop Ta Yang, or Wat Tayaung, but when the Royal Palace was erected in 1865, the ruler Norodom Bat donated the pagoda to the head of the Dhammaut sect. Wat was renamed Botum Watay, which means Lotus Pond Pagoda, because there was a pond with flowers on this site.
On the territory of the complex, the highest city dignitaries, monks and politicians were buried in stupas for hundreds of years. The pagoda and monastery in its present form were created in 1937, in the 70s of the 20th century, the temple was closed by the Khmer Rouge, but not destroyed. Since 1979, the pagoda has been reopened and used for its intended purpose.
There are several notable statues on the outside of the vihara. To the left of the main entrance is a large stupa guarded by green giants with daggers in their teeth and fierce naga snakes. Behind the vihara, you can see images of tigers and lions. Inside, the temple is decorated with typical scenes from the life of Buddha.
