Neak Pean Temple was originally built for medical purposes which the ancients believed that going into these pools would balance the elements in the bather, thus curing disease), it is one of the many hospitals that Jayavarman VII built. This temple is based on the ancient Hindu belief of balance. Four linked with pools represent Water, Earth, Fire and Wind. Each is jointed to the central water source, the main tank, by a stone conduit “presided over by one of Four Great Animals (maha ajaneya pasu) namely Elephant, Bull, Horse, and Lion, corresponding to the north, east, south, and west quarters.
