We have temples with 108 Lingas, and there is a temple in Karnataka, India with 9 Million Shiva Lingas.
But there is a Valley of Shiva Lingas in Cambodia.
Started by King Suryavarman I and ended with the reign of King Udayadityavarman II, between the 11th and 12th centuries,
“Kbal Spean (Khmer: ក្បាលស្ពាន) (“Bridge Head”) is an Angkorian era archaeological site on the southwest slopes of the Kulen Hills to the northeast of Angkor in Siem Reap District, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. It is situated along a 150m stretch of the Stung Kbal Spean River, 25 kilometres (16 mi) from the main Angkor group of monuments.
The site consists of a series of stone carvings in sandstone formations carved in the river bed and banks. It is commonly known as the “Valley of a 1000 Lingas” or “The River of a Thousand Lingas”. The motifs for stone carvings are mainly myriads of lingams (phallic symbol of Hindu god Shiva), depicted as neatly arranged bumps that cover the surface of a sandstone bed rock, and lingam–yoni designs. There are also various Hindu mythological motifs, including depictions of the gods Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Lakshmi, Rama, and Hanuman, as well as animals (cows and frogs)”
How to reach.
- Kbal Spean is located 50 kms northeast of Siem Reap and a direct trip by tuk-tuk takes about an hour. A visit to Kban Spean can be combined with a visit to the temple of Banteay Srei, which is 15 kms directly south of the road.
- An Angkor Pass is required for entry to Kbal Spean. For more info about Angkor Pass, please go here.
- The last entry on the trail is at 3:30 pm.
- Best time to visit the site is from May to December when the river and the waterfall have a good flow.
- Suggested accommodation: We stayed at Shinta Mani, a beautiful and contemporary boutique hotel and we highly recommend. We call it a hotel with a heart as it donates part of your nightly rate to help local communities. It has a non-profit component that trains locals in hospitality business as well as contributes in health programs.
Citation.
wiki.
Image credit.
http://www.travelingsolemates.com/kbal-spean-the-river-of-thousand-lingas/
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