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Mythology

"At places where narrow pathways intersected the perimeter of the villages - beside a termite mound, in a sacred wood, at the foot of an aged tree - we would find little altars dedicated to divinities of the soil. Sometimes the guardians of the bounds would be ancient sculptures, exhumed by the rains; sometimes they would be crudely carved of wood; sometimes they were simply a stone. The passing peasants would pay their homage with a handful of fresh leaves."
(François Bizot, The Gate)

In Cambodia the belief in ancestor spirits, the best known type of which are called neak ta, is older than Hinduism and Buddhism. There was a spirit cult in the pre-Angkor period.

By local belief neak ta maintain "the ownership of temples and sites, where they guard and watch over the conduct of people at vantage points to ensure the maintenance of social order and welfare." (Keko Miura, p.56.)

Every ancient temple and sacred site has at least one neak ta. Several temples are named after neak ta such as Ta Keo, Bakong and Ta Prohm.

Neak ta can affect the welfare and lives of people.

Inappropriate conduct by visitors around neak ta shrines and within the temple is seen to anger the spirits. If neglected or disturbed, neak ta can affect the welfare and health of local villagers. There have been several reports of villagers being struck by misadventure and illness after witnessing disrespectful behavior and failing to then provide offerings to gain the forgiveness of the neak ta. Neak ta seem only to turn against local people. Therefore lack of respect in visitors has deleterious effects on locals. (Georgina Lloyd)