The Cambodian countryside is dotted with Buddhist relics and pagodas; amongst them
is the Ounalom Pagoda which is perhaps the most important pagoda in Phnom Penh as it is the home of the head monk of the country. Historically the origins of the Ounalom Pagoda can be traced back to the 15th century, when it was established in 1422. It was built as one of the five original monasteries in Phnom Penh by King Ponhea Yat who was the last king of the Khmer Empire.
According to legend the king was driven out of Angkor Thom by the invading Siamese forces and retreated to Phnom Penh. The king ordered for the land surrounding the city to be developed to prevent flooding and later commenced the building of the famous five monasteries.
The pagoda is especially sacred to Buddhist devotees as it contains an Ounalum or a hair from the eyebrow of the Buddha enshrined within. The present Ounalom Pagoda was reconstructed following the devastation left in the wake of the Vietnamese invasion during the 1970s. Before 1974 the monastery was home to over 500 monks and contained a vast library consisting of over 30,000 titles. Today it is the headquarters of the order of Buddhist monks in Phnom Penh and also functioned as its main library until 1999.
The Ounalom Pagoda is situated on the riverfront facing the National Museum in the center of the cultural district of Phnom Penh. Certain parts of the complex have been expanded to include the area surrounding the Sihanouk Boulevard. Thus located in an area that is easily accessed by travelers amongst the citys parks, monuments and museums, the pagoda is within easy reach of a hotel in Phnom Penh. Therefore this important religious landmark is one that should not be missing from any tourists itinerary. A luxury hotel Cambodia such as Raffles Hotel Le Royal can be found close to the monastery for visitors that wish to explore the spirituality of the Ounalom Pagoda in greater depth.