Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm Shrine, Siem Reap

The Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm Shrine, situated within the compound of the Royal Residence, is a revered place of worship. The shrine houses two statues known as Preah Ang Chek and Preah Ang Chorm, both of whom hold a dignified status as princesses. These bronze statues were rediscovered in 1950, hidden in the forests around Angkor Thom by Angkor conservation officials. Historical records suggest that the statues were originally kept in the temple of Angkor Wat but were later lost due to the neglect of the temple.

The statues, once discovered, were taken by the infamous predator Dap Chhuon, who was the governor of Siem Reap during the 1950s. Using occult black magic, he carried the heavy statues with ease. Legend has it that the statues warned Dap Chhuon of a plot against him by Prince Norodom Sihanouk, leading him to flee to Thailand but losing his magical powers along the way. Eventually, the cult of Preah Ang Chek and Preah Ang Chorm was reintroduced with the support of Buddhist monks and the province of Siem Reap.

According to the official account, the statues were later found at the bottom of the Siem Reap River and were restored to their rightful home at Wat Damnak. In 1982, a shrine was constructed for the revered "gold Buddhas" opposite Independence Gardens and the Grand Hotel d'Angkor.

Devotees of the shrine believe that Preah Ang Chek and Preah Ang Chorm bestow good fortune upon newlyweds and offer spiritual protection for the entire region of Siem Reap. Each day, an average of about 300 people visit the shrine to make offerings of candles, incense sticks, and lotus flowers as gestures of reverence and supplication to these venerated princesses.