Khleang is one of the oldest Khmer temples in Soc Trang, built in the mid-16th century. The temple features a statue of Buddha seated on a lotus pedestal that stands 6.8 meters tall, located in the main hall. Khleang Temple has been recognized as a national historical and cultural relic.
Khleang Temple is an ancient temple in Soc Trang, with a rich history linked to the legends of the Soc Trang area. Initially, the temple was constructed from wood and thatch, but over time, it was rebuilt with bricks and roof tiles, showcasing beautiful decorative art and architectural lines. The temple is set on a spacious plot of land with a breezy atmosphere, surrounded by many trees that provide shade across the courtyard. Stone benches are placed under each tree for visitors to rest, creating a comfortable and cool environment after a tiring visit. Notably, the temple grounds also feature many sugar palm trees, a type of tree preferred by the Khmer people to plant in their living areas.
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| The 6.8-meter Buddha statue, with a body height of 2.7 meters, was cast in 1916 (Photo: geocities) |
The temple gate is adorned with intricate floral patterns and vibrant colors that are characteristic of Khmer style. However, Khleang Temple is built high above the ground, featuring a three-tiered staircase and three circular enclosures, all made of cement and brightly colored. The outer fence is large and gradually decreases in size towards the inner sections, with wide spaces between each enclosure, while the temple grounds occupy a significant area. In front of the temple, two oval-shaped towers are constructed on either side to hold the remains of past abbots.
Inside the main hall, there are 16 large, smooth black wooden columns that are gilded with images depicting the life of the Buddha and Buddhist practices. The ceiling and surrounding walls are decorated with numerous paintings of the Buddha, showcasing a harmonious blend of architecture and painting. The main hall houses a statue of Buddha that is 6.8 meters tall, with a body height of 2.7 meters, cast in 1916. The statue is seated on a magnificent lotus throne, surrounded by an aura that sometimes fades and sometimes shines, creating an atmosphere of majesty and mystery. Surrounding the large Buddha statue are smaller Buddha figures displayed in glass cabinets, showcasing household artifacts of the ancient Khmer community as a means to preserve and promote their cultural heritage.
The temple roof is also constructed in a three-tiered style, with each tier having three folds. The central fold is larger than the two side folds, and there is no rooftop tower. The temple’s roof is adorned with reliefs of birds and animals, as well as images symbolizing Buddhist philosophy. The entire roof of the temple is a magnificent architectural work that embodies the Khmer people’s beliefs and philosophies about Buddha and the celestial.
Every day, Khleang Temple welcomes many visitors, especially international tourists. It has been recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Information as a national historical and cultural relic.
