Synopsis: Buddhist Council of Cambodia President Venerable Pin Sem attends prayers.
Siem Reap and Oddar Meanchey provinces organised a prayer ceremony to return the statue of “Vishnu shooting an arrow while riding Garuda” to its original location at the roundabout in front of Samdech Euv High School in Siem Reap province.
The statue was in Oddar Meanchey province for about 16 years.
The ceremony yesterday was attended by Venerable Pin Sem, President of the Buddhist Council of Cambodia. Oddar Meanchey Governor Mean Chanyada, and Siem Reap Governor Prak Sophorn also attended.
According to the Siem Reap provincial administration, authorities organised a ceremony to move the statue of King Jayavarman VII from its current location to Wat Reach Bo, while bringing the idol of Vishnu shooting an arrow astride the Garuda from Oddar Meanchey province to its original location in Siem Reap.
The provincial administration said the adjustment aims to restore the historical structure and original identity of the roundabout site, as the statue of Vishnu shooting an arrow astride the Garuda is the original one previously placed in Siem Reap city.
Spokesman Ly Vannak said the statue was likely built during the French protectorate era and was relocated to Oddar Meanchey province in 2010.
He added that the return of the statue came after an agreement between the two provinces, following requests by citizens who wanted to preserve its historical, and cultural value.
However, the relocation has sparked discussion on social media. Some users in Oddar Meanchey expressed regret over the removal of the statue, which stood there since 2010, while others in Siem Reap and elsewhere supported its return, saying it is consistent with its historical origin and cultural identity.
Some comments online linked the move to various beliefs and interpretations.
On Sunday, Oddar Meanchey Governor Mean Chanyada burnt incense to worship the statue. He said that its return to Siem Reap was not intended to erase its cultural value, but rather to restore the meaning of the historical site, as the statue originated in Siem Reap and remains an important tourism symbol, particularly in the Angkor area.
The authorities in Oddar Meanchey province said that after the statue is returned, the province will proceed with upgrading the Samraong city roundabout and install a new statue of “Preah Ko Preah Keo” as a new cultural landmark and tourist attraction.
Following public debate, Vat Paranin, former deputy governor of Oddar Meanchey province and current governor of Preah Vihear province, said he had previously seen a statue of Vishnu at the old Siem Reap school. He said he later agreed with Pech Sokhin, then governor of Oddar Meanchey province, to request Sou Phearin, then governor of Siem Reap province, to relocate the statue to the Samraong city roundabout on October 23, 2010.
Paranin said the statue was installed in Oddar Meanchey to protect the nation over water, land, and air and to neutralise negative influences. It also aimed to pray for provincial peace and prosperity, while supporting local leadership in managing civil servants, armed forces, and citizens.
According to historical research, the statue of Vishnu riding Garuda is a major Khmer artistic work reflecting religious beliefs and the power of the Angkor era. It is regarded as a protective deity in Khmer culture, symbolising the victory of good over evil. The statue is not only an example of refined Khmer craftsmanship but also carries deep spiritual meaning tied to protection and balance in society.
In ancient religious and political contexts, the statue was a symbol of royal power, as kings were considered god-kings or incarnations of Vishnu ruling the earth.
Such statues can still be seen at major temples including Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei, and Preah Khan, reflecting the enduring legacy of Khmer civilisation.
- Tags: National, Vishnu-Garuda statue
