Preah Thong & Neang Neak
Long ago, the land we now call Cambodia was a watery realm known as Kok Thlok. It was ruled by a powerful Naga King, who lived beneath the waves. His daughter was the beautiful Princess Soma (Neang Neak).
One night, a Brahmin prince named Kaundinya (Preah Thong) was sailing his vessel across the ocean. Following a divine dream, he changed his course and spotted a shining light on the horizon. As he approached the shore, he saw Princess Soma leading her Naga troops. Fearing an invasion, she attempted to thwart his landing.
Kaundinya raised his magic bow and fired an arrow. It did not harm the princess but pierced her boat, forcing her to surrender.
Upon meeting face to face, the conflict turned into admiration. Kaundinya was captivated by Soma's beauty, and she was impressed by his power. He proposed marriage, and she accepted.
To ask for her father's blessing, they traveled to the underwater Naga kingdom. The Naga King agreed to the union between the foreigner and his indigenous daughter. As a wedding gift (dowry), the King used his supernatural powers to drink up the ocean waters that covered the land.
The ground dried and expanded, creating a vast new kingdom for the couple to rule. They named it "Kambuja." This marriage symbolizes the birth of the Khmer lineage, blending visitors with the original inhabitants to create a new era of prosperity.
The Prince sails
The Magic Arrow
The Marriage
Drinking the Water