世界掃瞄機-喬大叔的旅居記事

Till the 3^rd Century, Chinese trading business had more and more influences on this region. At that time, “Funan” has conquered its neighboring states “Chendla” and other small states and become the most important trading partner of China. At the end of 6^th Century, Funan was defeated by Chendla , however, the fruit of success didn’t last too long. Within 200 years, Chendla was divided by two parts and was declined eventually. Nowadays, if you go to Siem Reap from Penh Phnom by road, you will pass by Kampong Thom, and see the ruins and temples of these periods. I may say it was the pre-founder of Angkor civilization.

Today, when people talk about the Angkor Dynasty, actually it was founded by the first king, Jayavarman II. Owing to his capability, the king has conquered all the neighboring countries and built up the solid foundation for the Empire. The most famous Angkor Wat was built at that time as well. Apart from his great success, one of his major contribution in history is to worship the god Shiva of Hinduism. As the god Shiva was worshipped in the form of a “linga” by the time, the king made himself as the “universal king” by holding a “god-king” rite through the establishment of linga-worship cult, so as to solidify his position. And that is the reason why the linga-cult will remain the central of Angkorian kingship, religion, civilization for several centuries.

Another interpretation of linga in Hinduism is the worship to the male sexual organ, and the other one is Yuni, the worship to the sexual organ of female. Judging from the appearance of linga is somehow similar to man’s penis, it’s another meaning is representing the god of Shiva of Hinduism symbolizing the productivity and the harvest. As to Yuni, it represents woman’s womb which is the origin of the life, and the other meaning is also a symbol of the god of Vishnu. The combination of these two, means the endless productivity and creativity of the universe.

The linga was presented in various kind of symbol such as carved, squared table-like stone, but only few lingas was left, as most of them were stolen or destroyed. There is one linga can be found in the NationalMuseum in Phnom Penh.

After the death of the King, Angkor Empire was weakened by those rebellious states, for certain periods, Angkor was even controlled by its enemy “Champa”. Till Jayavarman VII sway over them and reunify all the neighboring states in 1181. He declared himself the King and broke almost 400 years tradition, which is changing the state religion from Hinduism to Mahayana Buddhism, rather than Theravada Buddhism.

In addition, the great contribution of King Jayavarman VII in history was architecture. Within 40 years of his kingship, he constructed almost 100 monuments. The most famous places are “Angkor Thom”,”Bayon”,”TaProhm”,”Banteay Kdei”and ”Preah Khan”, where are the must go sightseeing spots, I recommend. The building campaign of the King, I may say, it is the final representation of the Khmer Empire.

While building the great monuments, there is one thing I would like to re-iterate is  one Chinese emissary “Chou Daguan” visited

After King Jayavarman VII’s death in 1220, no further grand monuments was built and his successor only follow his step to accomplish the left architectures and no one ever has the capability to override King JayavarmanVII’s great success.

 

Itn he late 13^th Century, after the King’s death, Angkor was invaded by the Thai several times, therefore, the Capital was forced to move to