Peung Moha Eisei Temple (Phnom Kulen)

Located atop Phnom Kulen, it’s also known as Poeng Maha Eisei, or Pueng Aysey/Ey Sey along with other variants. Naming aside, it’s a small but incredibly scenic and atmospheric spot featuring rock carvings, ponds, and a small cell carved into a large rock with an opening that is framed and flanked by two deity carvings.

Around 2008, archaeological inquiry at Poeng Moha Eisei revealed a variety of significant finds, including a basin composed of laterite steps and an outlet located in its southeast corner along with funerary remains, and the identification of the site’s numerous carvings. All of which were published in Poeng Tbal et Poeng Eisei, ermitages angkoriens méconnus du Phnom Kulen, by Jean-Baptiste Chevance in 2013.

The carvings are located under the natural alcove, where Vishnu Trivikrama is noted, and on the rock formations surrounding and inside the pond. They are noted as a naga depicted in a seated, human form, as well as a carved footprint in the rock, which could represent either Shiva or Vishnu. Additional carvings include a crocodile, a conch, a garuda, a hunchback, a bird, a tortoise, a crocodile, an elephant, a female figure, and a seated human figure, although the identity of the human figure is uncertain; it may represent an avatar of Shiva.

According to the research, the basin, along with its sculptures and bas-reliefs, likely represents a sacred space carefully arranged to honour both Shiva and Vishnu. Peung Moha Eisei may have also served a funerary purpose. Archaeologists uncovered the base of a funerary urn containing burned and fragmented remains, along with a pearl and a carved stone. Human bone fragments were also found scattered on the sandstone slab at the bottom of the basin, suggesting the possibility that pilgrims may have deposited funerary urns at the site.

Photos 2024

Photos 2021

Getting There

The site is located south of Anlong Thom village along the same trail that leads to Prasat Damrei Krap and the Elephant Pond. You can reach this site by moto or by foot, although the trail will be difficult after any rain. You will see the signpost pointing to “Peung Aysey” (on the most recent visit this sign had faded and fallen down), follow the direction of the sign, and first, you will reach Prasat O Toub and keep walking north to reach the carvings and rock shelter. For those unfamiliar with local trails and Phnom Kulen you can hire a guide from the Anlong Thom CBTC.

Historical Notes

The site was documented in 1936/7 by Jaques Lagisquet and later by Phillipe Stern.

Prasat O Tob Maha Rosei small secondary temple which I have already mentioned in my March report. This temple is located approximately 800 m. to the South, South-East of Krus and approximately the same distance to the N., NE. of Damrei Krap. Near this temple there are rock bas-reliefs on a cell dug into the rock.

Rapport de la Conservation d’Angkor, Jaques Lagisquet, 1936

Rodney Charles LHuillier

Living in Asia for over a decade and now residing in beautiful Siem Reap. Rodney Charles L'Huillier has spent over seven years in Cambodia and is the author of Ancient Cambodia (2024) and Essential Siem Reap (2017, 2019). Contact via [email protected] - more..