It's Neak Ta time

These Neak Ta images at Wat Toek Thla in Pochentong overlook a garment factory

Two club wielding Neak Ta at Wat Tang Krasang Cheung

My Sunday afternoon jaunt out to a few pagodas west of Phnom Penh means another series of Neak Ta photos - spirit images - that I found on my travels. I'm finding them irresistable and get excited when I see the shrine located next to the vihara or covered in weeds in a far-flung corner of the pagoda complex, anticipating what I will find inside. Even though Neak Ta are essentially part of the animist beliefs of Cambodians, they are often found in Buddhist pagodas or located elsewhere in a village where the locals believe their powers and energy force will do most good. The shrines or huts of Neak Ta literally contain anything, natural or man-made. The objects represent the land, water and spirit elements and often house figures, as seen in these photos. If you see a shrine on your travels, take a moment to look in and see what treasures you can find - but never ever disturb the contents or you might face the wrath of the all-powerful Neak Ta spirits.

A well-kept Neak Ta shrine at Wat Tang Krasang Cheung

Nice to see a lady Neak Ta at Wat Chum, next to the white-washed lintel

Last but not least, another Neak Ta at Wat Chum