Preah Ang Dorng Keur attracts locals and people living abroad [Khmer people worship Vietnamese flag?]

According to Frank Smith, an American expert in the Khmer language, Preah Ang Dorng Keur is just a mixed Khmer-Vietnamese word for a "flag". In Khmer, Preah Ang Dorng mean a "royal pole". The word keur (cờ) is a Vietnamese word for "flag". So, Preah Ang Dorng Keur just means a flagpole. And people who worship Preah Ang Dorng Keur are just worshipping the flagpole. Please read and watch a video of the history of Preah Ang Dorng Keur (cờ) below.

Published: 11-Mar-12

PHNOM PENH (CEN) -Preah Ang Dorng Keur, located in front of the Royal Palace on the Tonle Sap River, is increasingly attracting people living both locally and abroad.

Also known as Preah Ang Dorng Tung, the Buddhist sanctuary was built after the palace was completed during the reign of King Sisowath (1904-1927). It now brings in between 100 to 500 visitors on normal day.

A common expression in Cambodia is: “If you didn’t commit something wrong, do you dare take an oath in front of the Preah Ang Dorng Keur sanctuary?”

Although Buddhists are taught not to swear oath, Preah Ang Dorng Keur still attracts Cambodian, Chinese and Vietnamese people of all ages from Phnom Penh, the provinces and abroad.

The sanctuary is usually open to the public from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. "About 100 people come," said Son, a 48-year-old layman. "But on holy days, the sanctuary is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and there are around 500 people visiting."

Some Cambodians visit with incense, sacrificial items and money. Others bring only empty hands together to pray. Groups of Chinese and Vietnamese people also visit.

The sanctuary attracts all types. On a recent visit, a tearful young couple in their mid-twenties were seen saluting the Preah Ang Dorng Keur by joining hands together.

"Please, help soften our parents’ hearts and let us get married and live together harmoniously forever," they said.

Another visitor, 25-year-old Kim Lay, was seen putting incense into a pot after praying for her 21-year-old brother, who is in a coma after a traffic accident.

"When faced with serious troubles, my family always comes here to pray and the results have proven effective so many times," the Chinese-Cambodian woman said.

"For three years, my sick grandmother was not cured by medicine. But after praying ... she recovered again and remains healthy until now," she said.

Phin Somei, the 43-year-old wife of a Siem Reap police officer, said she was at the sanctuary to fulfill a pledge.

“I pray for my husband to avoid misfortune. He arrives home safely each day but is threatened along the way," she said, holding lotus flowers.

Cambodians living abroad also believe in Preah Ang Dorng Keur.

Long Sokheng, a Cambodian living with several relatives in Australia, said he prays at the sanctuary hoping that his new wife will soon be able to join him in his adopted country.

“I have been visiting here for 10 years," the 48-year-old said. "I strongly believe the god will definitely help my wife.”

People who visit the sanctuary also believe that releasing birds is a way to avoid bad luck and bring prosperity.

Son, the layman, said the government committee for organizing ceremonies was responsible for the sanctuary's financial upkeep. "As a layman, I only have the right to get money directly from people who visit and pray here," he said.

Security at the sanctuary includes Chiv Sokhak, a police officer on standby duty.

"Sometimes, especially on holy days, many people flock here and pickpockets disguise themselves as people who pray at Preah Ang Dorng Keur to steal phones and wallets," he said.

The sanctuary is believed to be about as old as the Te Vea Phochany, Chan Chaya and Samrith Vimean Komsan temples built in 1913 during the rein of King Sisovath.

Chinese-Cambodians who believe in neaktar (tutelage/spirit guardian) animist spirits regard Preah Ang Dorng Keur as a master who controls all neaktars in Cambodia like a warrior who protects the country.

In this sense, other neaktars are military commanders and troops in the regions. For this reason, Chinese neaktar marching ceremonies are always escorted first into the Preah Ang Dorn Keur sanctuary before heading for other places.

Please read the comments and watch the video about the history of Preah Ang Dorng Keur below: