Wat Botum, Buddhist temple in central Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Wat Botum is a Buddhist temple near the Royal Palace in central Phnom Penh, built around a large assembly hall that houses a gilded Buddha statue. Several stupas and planted areas surround the main hall and give the grounds their overall shape.
The temple was founded in 1442 by King Ponhea Yat, at the time when Phnom Penh was becoming the capital of the Khmer kingdom. This makes it one of the oldest places of worship still standing in the city.
The painted murals inside the buildings show scenes from Buddhist teachings and from the life of the Buddha. Visitors who take time to look at them get a direct sense of the values that shape religious life at this temple.
Visitors should wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering any building. Going early in the morning or later in the afternoon makes the visit more comfortable in the heat.
Several stupas on the grounds serve as burial sites for politicians and respected public figures, turning part of the temple into a memorial space. These tombs sit right alongside the religious buildings, which is unusual for an active urban temple.
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