Cambodia

CambodiaCambodiaTerms to RememberTerms to Remember

CambodiaCambodia KhmerKhmer Angkor Vat/Wat (Wat means temple or temple complex)Angkor Vat/Wat (Wat means temple or temple complex) Temple-mountain rather than a templeTemple-mountain rather than a temple Bordering countries: Thailand, Laos, and VietnamBordering countries: Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam Kingdom of Fu NanKingdom of Fu Nan The Mekong River, and the Mekong Delta The Mekong River, and the Mekong Delta Tribhanga (S-curve)Tribhanga (S-curve) Horror vacuuiHorror vacuui MandorlaMandorla Architectonic qualityArchitectonic quality Elongated Gupta style was preferred in the earlier period of Elongated Gupta style was preferred in the earlier period of

Cambodian art. Cambodian art.

Hinduism Hinduism Devaraja=God-king (temporal & spiritual authority)Devaraja=God-king (temporal & spiritual authority) God ShivaGod Shiva God VishnuGod Vishnu Mt. MeruMt. Meru ChamCham ChampaChampa VietnamVietnam MalayMalay LaosLaos The Bayon at Angkor Thom The Bayon at Angkor Thom The MongolsThe Mongols TheravadaTheravada MahayanaMahayana GuptaGupta

Chronology of Khmer kingsChronology of Khmer kings

1.1. Jayavarman I: 657-681 Jayavarman I: 657-681 2.2. Jayavarman II: 802-850Jayavarman II: 802-850 (Devaraja, came from the court of (Devaraja, came from the court of

Shrivijaya in Java, identified himself w/Shiva)Shrivijaya in Java, identified himself w/Shiva)3.3. Jayavarman III: 850-877 Jayavarman III: 850-877 4.4. Indravarman I: 877-889 Indravarman I: 877-889 5.5. Jayavarman IV: 928-941 Jayavarman IV: 928-941 6.6. Jayavarman V: 968-1001 Jayavarman V: 968-1001 7.7. Suryavarman I: 1006-1050 Suryavarman I: 1006-1050 8.8. Jayavarman VI: 1080-1107Jayavarman VI: 1080-11079.9. Suryavarman II: 1113-1150 (Angkor Wat, identified Suryavarman II: 1113-1150 (Angkor Wat, identified

himself with Vishnu)himself with Vishnu)10.10. Jayavarman VII: 1181-1218Jayavarman VII: 1181-1218 (Bayon at Angkor Tham, identified (Bayon at Angkor Tham, identified

himself with the universal Buddha)himself with the universal Buddha)

Cambodia/KhmerCambodia/Khmer

Sea contact with India in the 3rd. Century.Sea contact with India in the 3rd. Century.

Primarily commercial in nature.Primarily commercial in nature.

Interaction between a high culture and a low culture.Interaction between a high culture and a low culture.

Cultural hegemony.Cultural hegemony.

Its manifestation begins to appear in the art and Its manifestation begins to appear in the art and culture of Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia.culture of Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia.

This reflected not only in art but also in administration This reflected not only in art but also in administration and organization of society.and organization of society.

Indianization/Hinduization of Southeast AsiaIndianization/Hinduization of Southeast Asia

Influence of Hinduism was mostly visible because of Influence of Hinduism was mostly visible because of sheer number of temples and its art.sheer number of temples and its art.

Indianized kingdom of Fu Nan stretched from the Indianized kingdom of Fu Nan stretched from the Mekong delta to Thailand and Burma.Mekong delta to Thailand and Burma.

The Cambodian rulers remained Hindus, taking The Cambodian rulers remained Hindus, taking Hindu names, customs and manners.Hindu names, customs and manners.

Khmer Empire was re-established under the reign of Khmer Empire was re-established under the reign of King Jayavarman II.King Jayavarman II.

Cambodia/KhmerCambodia/Khmer

Devaraja=God-king, instituted by Jayavarman II in 850Devaraja=God-king, instituted by Jayavarman II in 850

In 850 Jayavarman II identified himself with God Shiva.In 850 Jayavarman II identified himself with God Shiva.

Temple mountain or temple as mountain.Temple mountain or temple as mountain.

Indravarman (877-889)—devised irrigational systemIndravarman (877-889)—devised irrigational system

Suryavarman identified himself with Vishnu and built Suryavarman identified himself with Vishnu and built Angkor Wat (temple).Angkor Wat (temple).

The temples were destroyed by the Chams by burning The temples were destroyed by the Chams by burning the capital in 1177.the capital in 1177.

Jayavarman IIJayavarman II (c. 770–850) is widely recognized (c. 770–850) is widely recognized as the founder of the Khmer Empire.as the founder of the Khmer Empire.

Khmer, as an empire ruled much of Southeast Khmer, as an empire ruled much of Southeast Asia, and it lasted for more than six hundred years. Asia, and it lasted for more than six hundred years.

Before Jayavarman II came to power, there was Before Jayavarman II came to power, there was much fighting among local overlords who ruled much fighting among local overlords who ruled different parts of Cambodia. different parts of Cambodia.

The country was not unified under one ruler. The country was not unified under one ruler.

An inscription from the Sdok Kak Thom temple An inscription from the Sdok Kak Thom temple recounts that Jayavarman II instructed a Brahman recounts that Jayavarman II instructed a Brahman priest named Hiranhadama to conduct a religious priest named Hiranhadama to conduct a religious ritual known as the cult of the devaraja which placed ritual known as the cult of the devaraja which placed him as a him as a chakravartinchakravartin, universal monarch., universal monarch.

Jayavarman IIJayavarman II

The cult established him as the supreme ruler of the The cult established him as the supreme ruler of the land, and therefore he succeeded in unifying the land, and therefore he succeeded in unifying the country.country.

But Hindu civilization had already existed for But Hindu civilization had already existed for centuries in the region; the fact that Jayavarman was centuries in the region; the fact that Jayavarman was the second monarch to carry that name was an the second monarch to carry that name was an indication that there had been a powerful king in the indication that there had been a powerful king in the past.past.

Suryavarman II’s son Jayavarman VII drove the Suryavarman II’s son Jayavarman VII drove the Chams out of Angkor Vat in 1181 and annexed the Chams out of Angkor Vat in 1181 and annexed the territories of Champa, Malaya, Thailand and Laos.territories of Champa, Malaya, Thailand and Laos.

By now the Khamer rulers were predominantly By now the Khamer rulers were predominantly Mahayana Buddhists.Mahayana Buddhists.

Jayavarman VII built the Bayon temple complex Jayavarman VII built the Bayon temple complex at Angkor Thomat Angkor Thom

By the middle of the 13th century with the rise By the middle of the 13th century with the rise of the Mongols, the Khmer empire began to of the Mongols, the Khmer empire began to decline.decline.

Theravada supplanted the Mahayana.Theravada supplanted the Mahayana.

The golden age of Khmer civilization extended The golden age of Khmer civilization extended from the 9th to the 13th centuries, when Khmer from the 9th to the 13th centuries, when Khmer Empire, which gave Kampuchea, or Cambodia, Empire, which gave Kampuchea, or Cambodia, its name, ruled large territories from its capital in its name, ruled large territories from its capital in the region of Angkor in western Cambodia.the region of Angkor in western Cambodia.

Legend has it that in 802 CE, Jayavarman II, king of Legend has it that in 802 CE, Jayavarman II, king of the Khmers, first came to the Kuhlen hills, the future the Khmers, first came to the Kuhlen hills, the future site of Angkor Wat. site of Angkor Wat.

Later, under Jayavarman VII (1181–ca. 1218), Later, under Jayavarman VII (1181–ca. 1218), Khmer reached its zenith of political power and Khmer reached its zenith of political power and cultural creativity. cultural creativity.

Jayavarman VII gained power and territory in a Jayavarman VII gained power and territory in a series of successful wars. series of successful wars.

Khmer conquests were unstoppable as they raided Khmer conquests were unstoppable as they raided home cities of powerful seafaring Chams. home cities of powerful seafaring Chams.

Territorial expansion stopped only after a defeat by Territorial expansion stopped only after a defeat by Dai Viet. The battle also witnessed Suryavarman Dai Viet. The battle also witnessed Suryavarman II's death. II's death.

Following Jayavarman VII's death, Khmer Following Jayavarman VII's death, Khmer experienced a gradual decline. experienced a gradual decline.

Important factors were the aggressiveness of Important factors were the aggressiveness of neighboring peoples (especially the Thai), chronic neighboring peoples (especially the Thai), chronic interdynastic strife, and the gradual deterioration of interdynastic strife, and the gradual deterioration of complex irrigation system that had ensured rice complex irrigation system that had ensured rice surpluses. surpluses.

Angkor Dynasty survived until 1431, when the Thai Angkor Dynasty survived until 1431, when the Thai captured Angkor Thom and the Cambodian king fled captured Angkor Thom and the Cambodian king fled

to the southern part of the country.to the southern part of the country.

Funan in the the 3rd century

Kingdon of Fu-Nan. Funan was heavily influenced by Indian civilization, perhaps through intermediaries like the Dvāravatī polity of Thailand. Learned Indian immigrants were employed in the administration of the state. Sanskrit was the language at the court, and the Funanese adopted Hindu and, after the 5th century, Buddhist religious doctrines.

Angkor Wat temple complex

Phnom Da from distance

Phnom Da, 6th centuryIndianizing period, first Hindu temple of Cambodia

Bantaey Srei temples complex, 10th century

Bantaey Srei temples complex, 10th century

Bantaey Srei temples complex, 10th century

Krishna Govardhana, early 6th century, Cambodia

Krishna killing a demon, 6th centuryIndia

Hindu God Hari-Hara from Phnom Da, 7th century

Hari=VishnuHara=ShivaComposite like Ardhanarisvara (half Shiva, half Parvati

Art of Gupta period of India, 5th-6th century

God Vishnu

Krishna

Vishnu from Phnom Da, 6th century

God Vishnu, India

God Vishnu, 10th century

Pollished sandstone sculpture of UmaCambodia, Baphoun, 11th century

General view of Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia, 10 th century

General view of Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia, 10th century

Temple façade at Banteay Srei, Angkor, Cambodia, 10th century

It has been speculated that the temple's modern name,Bantãy Srĕi is due to the many devatas

carved into the red sandstone walls.

Temple entrance at Banteay Srei in Angkor, Cambodia, 10th century

The combat between Vāli and Sugrīva is depicted on the western gopura.

Ramayana from Banteay Shrei, 10th century

Asura Sunda and Upasunda disputing the apsara Tilattama. Cambodia, Banteay Srei, ca. 967. Sandstone. Musée Guimet

Indra riding elephants, Bantaey Shrei

Ravana shaking Mt. Kailash from Banteay Shrei, 10th century

Shiva-Parvati from Bantaey Shrei, 10th century

Hindu God Brahma

King Suryavarman II, the builder of Angkor Wat

Central plan

Detailed plan

Miniature model

ANGKOR WAT

Gallery

Angkor Wat, 11th century

Matterhorn

Angkor Wat, Temple as mountain

Angkor Wat, took 37 years to build it, dedicated to God VishnuBuilt by King Suryavarman II during his reign 1113–1150

Mountains beyond mountains: The 5 big towers represent Mount Meru, which in Hindu tradition is the home

of the gods.

Their distinct shapes appear on the Cambodian flag. Closer look: There

are only 3 towers on the flag –the back 2 towers are hidden. The big photo is taken from off-center, so you can see

all 5.

The National flag of Cambodia

Hindu cosmologyVishnu Loka

Apsaras

Apsara

Panel from Angkor Wat

The Churning of the Sea of Milk

Vishnu in the center

He himself becomes the mountainOr represents the mountain.

Tortoise supports the Mt. Meru or Mt Mandara

Monkey god Hanuman

Meru

Churning of the Sea of Milk in Bangkok International Airport, contemporary

India Starts Angkor Wat Replica in BiharIndia Starts Angkor Wat Replica in Biharby Amarnath Tewary, BBC correspondent, 3/6/2012by Amarnath Tewary, BBC correspondent, 3/6/2012

A Hindu Trust in India’s eastern state of Bihar has begun building a replica ofA Hindu Trust in India’s eastern state of Bihar has begun building a replica of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple.Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple.

On March 6, 2012 a foundation laying ceremony for the $20 million project was held 16 miles On March 6, 2012 a foundation laying ceremony for the $20 million project was held 16 miles from Bihar’s capital Patna, on the banks of the Ganges.from Bihar’s capital Patna, on the banks of the Ganges.

The temple will be constructed on a sprawling 40-acre site in Vaishali district in north Bihar.The temple will be constructed on a sprawling 40-acre site in Vaishali district in north Bihar.

The builders say the result will be the world’s largest Hindu temple.The builders say the result will be the world’s largest Hindu temple.

The construction will take 10 years to complete.The construction will take 10 years to complete.

"It will be the world’s largest Hindu temple….bigger in size, shape and height than the Angkor "It will be the world’s largest Hindu temple….bigger in size, shape and height than the Angkor Wat of Cambodia,” the Trust’s secretary told the BBC.Wat of Cambodia,” the Trust’s secretary told the BBC.

It will be called Virat Angkor Wat Ram Temple, but will aslo house other Hindu deities like It will be called Virat Angkor Wat Ram Temple, but will aslo house other Hindu deities like Radha-Krishna, Shiva-Parvati, Ganesha, Surya and 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Radha-Krishna, Shiva-Parvati, Ganesha, Surya and 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

Bamiyan in ChinaBamiyan in China

RoadRoad

Gate Gate

Gate

Gate

The word "Angkor" is derived from Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language, of "Nagara" which means "City". Angkor Wat literally means "City of Temples" and Angkor Thom

"The Magnificent City".

Jayavarman VII: 1182-1200

Gate at each of the cardinal pointGate at each of the cardinal point

It leads to the Bayon, located at the center of the cityIt leads to the Bayon, located at the center of the city

A causeway goes over a moat in front of each towerA causeway goes over a moat in front of each tower

South causeway has a row of devas on the left and asuras on South causeway has a row of devas on the left and asuras on the right, each row holding a naga in the attitude of a tug-of-the right, each row holding a naga in the attitude of a tug-of-war war

This appears to be a reference to the myth of the Churning of This appears to be a reference to the myth of the Churning of the Sea of Milkthe Sea of Milk

The temple-mountain of the Bayon would then be the pivot The temple-mountain of the Bayon would then be the pivot around which the churning takes placearound which the churning takes place

Churning of the Sea of Milk, South gate, entrance to Angkor Thom

Churning of the Milk of Sea

Churning of the Sea of Milk

The Bayon temple at Angkor Thom built by Jajavarman VII

The Bayon was the last state temple to be built at Angkor.

It was built as a state temple and is the only Mahayana Buddhist shrine dedicated to the Buddha.

There are 216 gigantic faces on the temple's 23 towers.

Ke jasto dekcha?

Mt. Meru

Their Resemblance to the King Jayavarman VII has led scholars to conclude that they are the portrait of the king himself, who, unlike his

predecessors, identified himself with Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva or Lokesvara,

the universal Buddha of compassion.

Do you see the Devaraja principle operating here?

The Bayon at Angkor Thom, Avalokitesvara/Lokesawara as guardian of the city

Jayavarman VII

Bayon Temple (circa 1190) is a Buddhist temple but retains elements of Hindu cosmology and imagery. Standing in the center of the walled city is Bayon temple that represents the intersection of heaven and earth. It is known for its enigmatic

smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion or Lokesvara, Buddha as the lord of the universe.

Jayavarman VII (ruled c.1181-1200) of the Khmer Empire in present day Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The Bayon is a well-known and richly decorated Khmer temple at Angkor.

Built in the late 12th century or early 13th century as the official state temple

of the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII, the Bayon stands at the centre of Jayavarman's capital,

Angkor Thom.

Following Jayavarman's death, it was modified and augmented by later Hindu

and Theravada Buddhist kings in accordance with their own religious

preferences.

Khmer army going to war against the Cham; relief at the Bayon-temple in Angkor Thom, 12 th-13th century

Battle scene, Angkor Thom (perhaps with the Champs)

Khmer market on Bayon. Much of what is known of the ancient Khmers comes from the many stone reliefs. They offer first hand accounts of the 13th century and earlier. The ancient Khmers relied heavily

on rice growing. The farmers planted rice near the banks of the Tonlé Sap or in the hills when it was flooded. The farms were irrigated by Barays, or giant water reservoirs and canals. Sugar palm trees, fruit

trees and vegetables were grown in the villages. Fishing gave the population their main source of protein, which was turned into Prahok or dried or roasted or steamed in banana leaves.

Bronze replica of one of the twenty-three stone images King Jayavarman VII sent to

different parts of his kingdom in 1191.

Ta ProhmIn 1186, Jayavarman dedicated Ta Prohm

("Ancestor Brahma" or " Eye of Brahma") to his mother. An inscription indicates that this

massive temple at one time had 80,000 people assigned to its upkeep, including 18 high

priests and 615 female dancers.

The first Lara Croft film was shot in Ta Prohm as well as a few scenes from the movie

Troy.

Jayavavarman VII was a great and generous king of Cambodia.

He built 102 hospitals to treat all of his citizens. According to the Preah Khan

inscription, he had two wives and four sons, as also noted on the inscription in Ta Prohm's

temple..

Jayavarman VII constructed Rajavihara in Jayavarman VII constructed Rajavihara in honor of his family. honor of his family.

The temple's main image, representing The temple's main image, representing Prajnaparamita, the personification of wisdom, Prajnaparamita, the personification of wisdom, was modelled on the king's mother. was modelled on the king's mother.

The northern and southern satellite temples in the The northern and southern satellite temples in the third enclosure were dedicated to the king's guru third enclosure were dedicated to the king's guru and his elder brother respectively. and his elder brother respectively.

As such, Ta Prohm formed a complementary pair As such, Ta Prohm formed a complementary pair with the temple monastery of Preah Khan, with the temple monastery of Preah Khan, dedicated in 1191 A.D., the main image of which dedicated in 1191 A.D., the main image of which represented the Bodhisattva of compassion represented the Bodhisattva of compassion Lokesvara and was modelled on the king's father.Lokesvara and was modelled on the king's father.

The temple's stele records that the site was home to The temple's stele records that the site was home to more than 12,500 people (including 18 high priests more than 12,500 people (including 18 high priests and 615 dancers), with an additional 800,000 souls in and 615 dancers), with an additional 800,000 souls in the surrounding villages working to provide services the surrounding villages working to provide services and supplies. and supplies.

The stele also notes that the temple amassed The stele also notes that the temple amassed considerable riches, including gold, pearls and silks.considerable riches, including gold, pearls and silks.

Expansions and additions to Ta Prohm continued as Expansions and additions to Ta Prohm continued as late as the rule of Srindravarman at the end of the 15th late as the rule of Srindravarman at the end of the 15th century.century.

The End