Once, during the reign of Sdach Korn (King Kan), who killed King Srey Sokun Bot and ascended the throne, the royal bloodline fractured and fell into disarray. Among those affected was King Chan Reachea, the nephew of King Thama Reachea, who fled to seek refuge under the protection of the Siamese king. Burning with anger and revenge against Sdach Korn, seven years later, King Chan Reachea cunningly deceived the Siamese king and managed to acquire an army of 5,000 Siamese soldiers along with sufficient supplies to return to Cambodia.
At that time, the governor of Battambang province pledged full support, both militarily and administratively, to King Chan Reachea. Upon reaching Pursat province, however, the local governor resisted and reported the matter to Sdach Korn. But Khleang Moeung, a loyal supporter of King Chan Reachea, devised a surprise attack, killed the governor of Pursat, and persuaded the local population to join King Chan Reachea’s forces, offering horses and elephants for war efforts.
For his loyalty and achievements, King Chan Reachea appointed Khleang Moeung as “Chao Ponhea Suor ”, governor of Pursat and commander of royal operations. Khleang Moeung’s four sons were also honored with high ranks and responsibilities.
Hearing of these developments, Sdach Korn mobilized an army of over 120,000 soldiers to crush the newly formed resistance. The two armies clashed in Krakor District, where Khleang Moeung led King Chan Reachea’s smaller force. Facing overwhelming numbers, Khleang Moeung ordered a strategic retreat to their fortress, Banteay Chey, in Bak Nim Commune. Sdach Korn’s army of 100,000 soldiers surrounded the fortress, cutting off supplies and reinforcements. For 12 months, Khleang Moeung’s army, only 20,000 strong, suffered severe shortages.
In a desperate move, Khleang Moeung proposed a self-sacrifice ritual to awaken and command the spirits of dead warriors. Though King Chan Reachea initially refused, Khleang Moeung’s insistence and willingness to die in front of King Chan Reachea convinced him to allow it. A pit measuring 8 cubits square was dug, lined with sharp bamboo spikes, and a solemn ritual was performed. Khleang Moeung instructed that if there were thunderous omens on the night of the full moon of the month of Visakha, it would signal the time to attack.
His wife, Neak Mneang Khiev, who also wished to help her husband, begged King Chan Reachea and jumped into the pit alongside Khleang Moeung. Two of his sons—Chao Ponhea Vibolrach Tep and Chao Ponhea Raj Tejasok—were caught after trying to follow, but the other two—Chao Ponhea Vongsa Akka Reach Keo and Chao Ponhea Bortes Reach—successfully leapt into the pit to join their parents in the sacrifice.
As foretold, on the night of the full moon, strange and terrifying omens occurred: thunder rumbled from the sky and the earth shook. Seizing the moment, King Chan Reachea launched a surprise attack. Sdach Korn’s army, struck with fear and confusion, was defeated—many were killed, supplies and weapons seized.
Thereafter, the ghost army led by Khleang Moeung was believed to have aided in battle after battle, helping King Chan Reachea defeat Sdach Korn, eventually killing him and restoring peace to the kingdom.
After the war, the Siamese king requested tribute from King Chan Reachea—elephants and taxes—but he ignored these demands. In retaliation, Siam sent multiple military expeditions. One of these reached Svay Don Keo, where they camped along the river. King Chan Reachea once again sought help through a ritual invoking Khleang Moeung. As they advanced, the sky roared and the ground trembled—signs that the ghost army had arrived. The Siamese soldiers panicked, fled, and collapsed in terror. King Chan Reachea's army launched a devastating assault, leaving only a few survivors who managed to retreat.
Due to Khleang Moeung’s spirit repeatedly protecting the land in times of crisis, the people of Pursat began holding annual ceremonies in his honor every Visakha month—commemorating the time he gave his life to lead the ghost army. This later became known as the “Neak Ta Khleang Moeung Ceremony”, as his spirit came to be revered as a powerful guardian who could alleviate suffering and answer prayers.
The sacrificial pit where Khleang Moeung jumped has been preserved and turned into a beautifully designed shrine. Behind the sacrificial pit stand statues of Neak Ta Khleang Moeung and his wife, facing the spot of their sacrifice.
Today, this site is known as the Khleang Moeung Historical Sanctuary, honoring the bravery and mystical power of this Khmer hero. Beyond its historical significance, the sanctuary also attracts many visitors with its peaceful open space, religious statues, and shaded trees, offering a place of rest and reflection.
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