King Jayavarman VII

King Jayavarman VII had two queens, Queen Jayaraja Devi and Queen Indradevi. The two queens were half-sisters. Queen Jayaraja Devi was married before King Jayavarman VII ascended the throne. After Queen Jayaraja Devi died, Queen Indradevi, who was a virgin, became the queen consort.​​​​​​ King Jayavarman VII had two queens, Queen Jayaraja Devi and Queen Indradevi. The two queens were half-sisters. Queen Jayaraja Devi was married before King Jayavarman VII ascended the throne. After Queen Jayaraja Devi died, Queen Indradevi, who was a virgin, became the queen consort. Contents 1 Royal biography according to inscriptions 2 His hand in the construction of five major national roads during his reign 3 About King Jayavarman VII (the mighty king) and his dynasty 4 References Royal biography according to inscriptions A large inscription from the temple of Preah Khan in Siem Reap, the former capital of the great Khmer Empire, was discovered by Mr. Clemenceau, a Frenchman, and published in 1941. The dissemination of the most important data related to the biography of King Jayavarman VII, the great king of the Great Dynasty. Some Khmer people are not yet aware of these main information clearly. However, Cambodian historical experts have unofficially translated them for the Khmer people as a general level of historical knowledge. It should also be noted that this inscription (k-908) has a total of 111 Kathas. Khmer archaeologist Michel Trane has stated that the original 18 verses of the inscription are identical to the contents of the Ta Prohm inscriptions. The scholar has translated some of the verses, especially the biography of King Jayavarman VII, as follows: “A king who was held in high esteem by all the kings of the land in whose hands he was held, and who was revered by the people. He is the greatest of all sages, the son of King Sruthvarman and King Sreeshthavarman, a virtuous man through his glorious achievements, the source of the pure royal family” (Chapter 6). “He is the sun in the sky, the descendant of the Cambodian clan, born on the eastern mountain of Jayadityapur. He awakens the lotus hearts of all beings, the repository of brilliance, the emperor of Sreeshthapur” (Chapter 7). “Born in the great kingdom of the maternal family, where the moon shines with the rays of the perfect glory, bright as the goddess Lakshmi, she led the foremost of all women (namely, the queen) Kampucharacha Lakshmi” (Chapter 8).” “The husband of the land of Bhavapura, King Bhavavarman Deva, was endowed with radiant beauty, which brought love to his kingdom. Full of talent, the origin of the royal family, like one endowed with the rays of immortality. He relieved the suffering of his people” (Chapter 9). “He who was of good character, fame, and heroism, who could not be blamed for anything, and who was born in that family, and who created works for all classes of people, King Srihasvarman, who destroyed the joy of the enemy in battle, and whose royal activities were so brilliant that they were spread by word of mouth in all directions” (Chapter 10). “Through this king and queen, the princess Jayaraja Chodyamni was born” … “Like a lotus, created with strength like a lotus, with beauty like the dawn, with irreproachable behavior like a lotus, born with kindness” (Katha 11-12). "Having taken the throne at Sreimanyasodharapura, King Jayavarman Deva, after having driven back the waves of his enemies, set up a pillar as far as the sea, a pillar of victory in all directions, he and his ancestors settled at Mahidharapura" (Gatha 13). “The daughter of King Srihasaravarman gave birth to a great man, King Jayavarman VII, endowed with energy that shone like red fire, resembling Queen Aditi, who made Brahma the king of the gods, who, through his excellent devotion to protect the land, killed the enemy commanders” (Katha 18). In conclusion, there is no doubt that Jayavarman VII was a true Khmer king, descended from the mighty kings of the Phnom Penh and Chenla dynasties, and a great statesman who defended the Khmer homeland with great sacrifice and incomparable achievements. [1] His handiwork in the construction of five major national roads during his reign, as well as the construction of countless hospitals and monasteries, and the construction of countless temples, 

During his reign, King Jayavarman VII built five major national roads for travel across the empire. Vong Sotheara, a professor of Khmer epigraphy and history and vice-chairman of the Department of History at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, recently said that during his reign, the great king built five major communication roads. The first road was the western road from Yasothapuram through the mountains to Stok Kak Thom and Banteay Chhmar. The second road was the northwestern road from Yasothapuram to Prasat Phimai. The third route, the northern part (not known for sure), is described as a circular route, going from the capital to the cities of Jayavati, Jayasinghavati, Jayaviratai, Jayarajkiri, Srei Suvira Borei, and arriving at Yasothapura. The fourth route, the northeastern route from Yasothapura to the Cham capital, and the fifth route, the eastern route from Yasothapura, probably headed towards Sambor Prey Kuk, where traces of many ancient bridge structures can be seen along National Road No. 6, from the ancient bridge at Kampong Kdei to Damdek. Professor Vong Sotheara continued to say that the construction of the five-month road along the road has built 121 Dhamma Salas and streetlights as public shelters for general travelers. He continued that in the inscription of Preah Khan Temple, it is stated that along the northwest road, there are 17 Dhamma Salas, the north road has 14 Dhamma Salas and streetlights. On the northeast road, there are 57 Dhamma Salas, including streetlights and 1 in Suryabhavat, Kiphnom Chisor, 1 in Wijayatthi, and 1 in Kalyan Sittaka, which probably corresponds to Romdoul District, Svay Rieng Province. In addition, 30 dhammasalas remain, because there are no inscriptions. The remaining dhammasalas are likely to have been built along the western and eastern routes, according to Professor Vong Sotheara. He continued that in addition, he built hospitals, which in the language of that era were called araksalas, with 102 rooms, with many offerings to support the livelihood and activities of each hospital: specialist doctors, assistant doctors, pharmacists, water collectors, and various servants, totaling approximately 90 people for each hospital. Professor Vong Sovathara continued by emphasizing that “patients of all social statuses could receive treatment without discrimination” (Sai ​​Phong Inscription No. K 368). He added that because of his concern for well-being, some researchers suspected that he was born with leprosy, relying only on the interpretation of the carvings on the walls of Bayon Temple and the later invented legend of the Leper. [2] About Jayavarman VII (the Mighty King) and his dynasty Jayavarman VII was the last great and powerful king of the Angkor Empire. Cambodian historian Aymonier studied Jayavarman VII and concluded that he was the founder of the country's glorious era. The national unification of King Jayavarman VII began with the publication in the journal of the French School of the Far East by Louis Finot of a Sanskrit inscription found by Georges Maspero at Say Fong, near Vientiane, which provides information about the construction of a hospital in 1186 AD. Louis Finot noted that this inscription was similar to a pillar inscription found in the Gulf of Siam, near the border of Cochinchina (Lower Cambodia), and that the name Jayavarman VII was frequently mentioned in Cham inscriptions as a great warrior. He concluded that “the inscriptions from Lower Laos to the Annam Sea and Lower Cochinchina tell of his victories, others of his good deeds. These have illuminated the image of this king from the darkness of Cambodia’s past.” The darkness has also been dispelled by the 40 years of patient research of Louis Finot. The name of this king was only known in 1900, when the French School of the Far East was founded. He is now considered one of the great kings of Cambodia. He expanded his territory greatly, including Champa, and built many temples throughout the country. Among the many inscriptions he left behind are three: the Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, and Banteay Chhmar inscriptions, which were published in the Bulletin of the French School of the Far East. The hospital regulations in the inscription below come from the Phimean Akas temple, which was discovered in AD 1916 In the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom and a Cham Inscription at Mỹ-Sơn, Louis Finot published in the Bulletin of the French Academy. King Jayavarman VII was as powerful as the French king, the name

Louis VII and Philippe Auguste, whose reigns coincided with his. His royal lineage is well known. His father reigned briefly in 1155. Jayavarman VII was a cousin of Suryavarman II, who fought as far as Tonkin and built Angkor Wat as his mausoleum. His mother was related to a foreign dynasty that ruled the country for almost a century. 11th and queen of Cambodia in the pre-Angkor period. King Jayavarman was born between 1120 and 1125 CE during the reign of King Suryavarman II, and was married at a young age to Queen Jayaraja Devi, who had a strong influence on him in governing the country. Later, he was ordered to lead an army to attack the Champa kingdom in the Vichai region (present-day Binh Dinh province, Vietnam). The absence of her husband caused Queen Jayaraja Devi to fall into a deep depression, which the royal palace inscriptions, written by Queen Indra Devi, her biological sister, describe. The inscriptions describe her lying in the valley of the Teuk Phenak waterfall, lamenting like Queen Sita, separated from her husband. She prayed for his return. As a way to overcome this great sadness, she became a Brahmin and later a Buddhist. The inscription reads, “Receiving education from her sister-in-law, she thought that Buddhism was her beloved and pleasing religion. She adopted the path of Buddhism, which is the peaceful path to cross the fire of suffering and the sea of ​​pain.” While Jayavarman VII was in Champa, his father, King Dharani Nandavarman II, died, and the king who succeeded him was Sovarman II, whose biography is unknown. During the reign of this king, there was a tragic event, which is recorded in the inscriptions and sculptures at Banteay Chhmar Temple. The inscriptions and sculptures of this temple tell us that King Yasovarman II was attacked by Rahu, as before, during a solar or lunar eclipse, but was saved by a young king, probably one of the sons of the future King Jayavarman VII. The inscription reads, “When Bharatarahu rebelled against King Yasovarman to attack the palace, the city’s defenders were routed… The king entered the battle. Two soldiers joined him in the battle and defeated Bharatarahu.” However, King Yasovarman II was usurped by a high-ranking official named Triphuvanadita in 1165 CE. King Jayavarman hurried back from Champa to rescue King Yasovarman II. The inscription continued, “But King Yasovarman II was killed by a usurper, and Prince Jayavarman remained in Cambodia, waiting for the right time to save the situation, which was full of crimes. The queen, who was saddened by her husband’s absence, was overcome with grief, longing to see him free the country from the ocean of suffering that had engulfed it.” King Jayavarman, who had returned home late and found a usurper on the throne, did not return to Champa and, with the help of his wife, stayed in Cambodia “waiting for the right time.” He had to wait for 15 years. At the same time that there was a usurpation in Cambodia, there was also a usurpation in Champa in 1166-1167 AD, under the name Jayaindravarman. The king paid tribute to the King of Annam, Li Anhton, in 1170 AD, in order to keep the country neutral. At this time, the northern border of Champa was peaceful, and the Cham king sent an army to invade Cambodia. The air inscription also reads: “King Jaya Indravarman (King of Cham), fearless like the city of Ravana, on a chariot, armed with weapons, attacked Cambodia.” However, this invasion was unsuccessful. The Cham king, named Cheyendravarman, changed his strategy from land to sea. In 1177, he led a naval force against the Khmer, led by a Chinese sailor. The force sailed up the Mekong River and reached Lake Tanah Rata. Angkor fell to the Cham, and the Cham king, Tribhuvanadityavarman, was killed in battle. The Cham army captured the city, destroying it and taking a large amount of treasure. The throne was vacant, with no king to reign. Prince Jayavarman Chheung understood that the time had come. But before he could be proclaimed king, he had to free the country from foreign rule.

He also led an army to defeat the Chams by sea, as depicted on the walls of Bayon and Banteay Chhmar, and liberated the entire country. Four years after the Cham invasion in 1177 AD, in 1181 AD, Cambodia was at peace, and King Jayavarman ascended the throne. At the same time, he rebuilt the capital. “The city of Yasodhara, like a maiden of noble lineage, united with her husband in a palace adorned with precious stones and surrounded by walls. The couple were married by the king to create the happiness of all beings under the great victory he had won.” An inscription on the ramparts of Angkor Thom states that the royal city where the king held the wedding ceremony was none other than Angkor Thom, not the Bakheng temple at the end of the 1st century BC. 9th, but the present city, with the Bayon Temple as its center. When the Cham invaded the country in 1177, according to the Chinese historian Ma Tuolin, King Jayavarman “vowed to avenge his enemies, and this work he secretly endured for 15 years.” But before fulfilling his vow to wage war against the Cham at home, he had to suppress a rebellion in the southern part of Battambang. To suppress the rebellion, he ordered a Cham king named Vithyananan to raise an army to suppress the rebellion. It is worth noting that this Cham king had been living in Angkor since childhood. The Cham inscription at Mission says: “When he was a child, in 1182 AD, Prince Vithyananan came to live in Cambodia. The king of Cambodia (Jayavarman VII, who had ascended the throne the previous year) saw 33 characteristics of the king. He also loved the king and taught him science and strategy. When the king was in Cambodia, there was a region called Malang, where bad people lived and rebelled against the Khmer king. The king saw that the prince was good at war and ordered him to lead the Khmer army to suppress the rebellion in Malang, which was successful. "In gratitude, the Khmer king bestowed honor and valuable wealth upon Vithyananan." In 1190 CE, King Jayavarman VII made the country of Dai Viet (of Maharaja Ly Kao Ton) neutral in order to make it easier to attack the Cham. In the same year, a good opportunity presented itself for the Cham king Cheyindravarman IV to raise an army to attack the Khmer again. Did King Jayavarman VII raise an army against the Cham invasion? The inscription at Porok (En Nha Trang) states: “He captured the capital of Champa and collected all the lingas.” This victory was achieved because he ordered King Vithanyanan to lead an army to resist. Vithanyanan captured the city of Vijaya (Binh Dinh) and captured the Cham king Indravarman IV as a prisoner and presented him to King Jayavarman VII. He raised Jayavarman VII's younger brother, In (the younger brother of Queen Jayaraja Devi), to the throne of Vijaya, with the title Surya Jayavamdev. He then led an army to conquer Banduranga (Phanrang) and ascended the throne there with the title Surya Vamdev. The country of Champa was divided into two parts, one part ruled by the Khmer king and the other by the Cham king Vitthyananda. But soon the Chams in Vijaya revolted, forcing Prince In to flee back to Khmer and installing a Cham prince named Rasopati as his successor. Taking advantage of this opportunity, King Vithyananan reunited the Cham kingdom after killing the victorious Indravarman V (Rasopati) and reigned over all of Champa from 1192 to 1203. In 1203, In 1193 and 1194, Jayavarman VII tried to get Vithyananan to recognize his authority, but to no avail. In 1203, he ordered another Cham king, Ongthonpattikram, who was Vithyananan's uncle, to lead an army to defeat his nephew. From 1203 to 1220, Champa became a province of the Khmer. The meddling in neighboring eastern countries did not prevent him from expanding his territory to the north and west of Cambodia. It was during this reign that the Sai Phong inscription (near Vientiane) dates the Chhota period, and Chinese historians speak of Jayavarman VII's power annexing part of the Malay Peninsula and extending his rule to Burma. Furthermore, an inscription from Preah Khan Temple states that the aphrodisiac water was given by the Brahma Suryabhakt and all the other Brahmas in the royal palace, the king of Yavana, and the two kings of Champa.

The Brahmin Suryabhakt was probably the head of all the Brahmins in the royal court. The king of Yavana was Emperor Lý Anh Tông, who reigned in 1175 AD, had the royal title Lý Cao Tông, and reigned until 1210 AD. The two kings of Champa were the king of Vijaya (Binh Dinh), who was the younger brother of Jayavarman VII, and the king of Bandurang (Phanrang), who was protected by Jayavarman VII. It is known that offering water to the king meant acknowledging the vassalage of the country to which it was offered. This custom continues to this day. In the royal palaces of Phnom Penh or Bangkok, when a king ascends to the throne, the sacred water for the ceremony is water obtained from the main rivers of the country and from the different provinces of the kingdom. The two Champa kingdoms were not under the rule of Cambodia for long, as they were under the rule of Java, the power of the Maharaja Annam. After the death of Queen Jayaraja Devi, King Jayavarman VII was crowned with Queen Indradevi, the daughter of Queen Jayadevi. This queen was a woman of great learning. She held the position of professor in a Buddhist temple and produced the Phimean Akasa Inscription, an important source of information regarding the life of Jayavarman VII. It is not known exactly in what year Jayavarman VII died. He probably reigned until 1218 CE. His royal title was Mahaparamsaokat. This name suggests that he was a Buddhist, but despite this, he had a Brahmin priest named Vishikesa (សាន These two statues are of King Jayavarman VII. The exact date of his death is not known. It is questioned what illness he had that led to his death. There are two statues from that period, one in the small temple complex called the Hospital, located east of Takeo Temple. V. Goloubew has studied the sculpture in detail to understand the story of “The Deaf King”, but there is no statue that matches this story. And he gave the following text of Dr. Mesnard, director of the Pasteur Institute in Prey Nokor, given to him in 1934, commenting on the sculpture of the Bayon temple: “The forearms and hands of the patient are the objects of careful treatment by the women who surround them. The gesture of one of the women is as if she were holding her right ear, wide open, to draw attention to the most important point.” “The lower limbs are supported by an object below the knees.” “A woman lifts the man’s right leg with her left hand and her right hand seems to be squeezing the man’s right leg.” “Does the woman’s gesture suggest that the man has a disease of the extremities, leprosy?” Another important note is that near the man’s body is a vase filled with a round wooden stick. The stick is probably a Chaulmoogra. The Chaulmoogra (Hydnocarpus anthelmintica) is a tree that grows throughout the forest [3].