A 115ft-tall, 10,000-sq-ft temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has opened to the public in Cambodia. It stands on a 3.16-acre site along Russian Federation Boulevard in the capital of Phnom Penh.
The Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple’s architecture and interior design is inspired by traditional Cambodian workmanship such as kbach patterns seen in silverwork, furniture, murals and pottery, while the exterior mirrors traditional Cambodian religious structures.
The temple’s colour palette references traditional Cambodian textile design, local flora and cultural symbolism. Artwork located inside the temple depicts landscapes and scenes that reflect the faith and heritage of the Cambodian people.
The Cambodian government recognised the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1994, which has since recruited 18,000 members, according to a press release from the organisation. It is its first temple for the group in the country.
Veasna Neang, Cambodia Phnom Penh Mission’s president, said: “The temple is the way we connect with our ancestors. This is the time that the Cambodian people can show how we love our ancestors.
“Cambodia has gone through a really dark hour. Those people are waiting in the spirit world for us to do something for them.”
Vichit Ith, Cambodian church member, said: “The temple stands not only as a symbol of our faith but also as a monument to the enduring friendship and mutual respect between our Church and the Kingdom of Cambodia.
“[This temple] is extremely meaningful because I never would have thought in my lifetime that the temple would be here. To have a temple here in just 32 years, it’s a miracle.”
It will be open for public viewing until it is formally dedicated on Sunday 30 August, after which the grounds will remain open to the public but the temple will be reserved for members of the church.
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