តំណាលផ្កាឈូកស

Long ago, there was a village near the Mekong River. There lived a young woman named Srey Pov, whose heart was as pure as morning dew. She always helped the villagers, and her beauty rivaled the flowers.

In the same village lived a wealthy official named Lok Ta Meas, a man of great power who craved everything he saw. He lived in a huge house surrounded by high walls.

One day, Lok Ta Meas saw Srey Pov by the pond. He was immediately captivated by her beauty. He sent servants to inform her that she must marry him, or he would destroy the entire village.

Srey Pov cried heavily, for she did not want to marry that cruel man. But to protect her villagers, she agreed. She requested three days to prepare herself.

For three days and three nights, Srey Pov went to a sacred pond, rumored to be the dwelling place of celestial beings. She lit incense and prayed with the purest of hearts.

A celestial being appeared in her dream and said, “My child, your purity is your greatest power. When the time comes, choose the path that leads to eternal goodness.”

On the third day, Lok Ta Meas arrived to claim her with a huge entourage. Srey Pov, dressed in pure white garments, walked straight toward the sacred pond instead of the wedding venue.

Lok Ta Meas feared her escape. As he rushed to grab her, Srey Pov plunged into the deepest center of the pond, sacrificing her life without regret.

Immediately, a brilliant white light erupted from the water. The light scorched Lok Ta Meas. Due to his greed and evil deeds, he was sucked down into the dark, black mud.

Srey Pov did not return. But exactly where she jumped, an enormous and extraordinarily beautiful White Lotus bloomed, symbolizing her eternal purity, protecting the village from evil forevermore.