The Great King and the Mighty Spirits: A Journey into Khmer History

The history of the Khmer Empire is a tapestry woven with the threads of divine kingship and ancient mythology. At the heart of this legacy stands King Jayavarman VII, a ruler whose influence shaped the golden age of Angkor, and the eternal struggle between the Devas and the Asuras.

King Jayavarman VII: The Liberator of the Khmer Empire

King Jayavarman VII (Sanskrit: Jayavarman VII; c. 1125–1218 AD) is revered as one of Cambodia’s greatest monarchs. Ascending the throne in 1181 AD, he took the regnal name “Jayavarma Avatalokesvara,” signifying his deep connection to the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

His reign began during a time of crisis. He led a successful liberation movement against the Champa Kingdom to the east, freeing the Khmer people from foreign rule and eventually expanding his dominion across a vast portion of mainland Southeast Asia.

  • Parentage: He was the son of King Dharanindravarman II.

  • Royal Consorts: He was married to two remarkable queens, Queen Jayarajadevi and Queen Indradevi.

  • Royal Lineage: He had four children. His eldest son was Suryakumar, followed by Indravarman II (son of Jayarajadevi), Virakumar (son of Indradevi), and Princess Srisukharamahadevi.

  • Succession: Upon his passing in 1218 AD, he was succeeded by his second son, King Indravarman II.

The Asuras: The Power-Seeking Spirits of Tradition

The Asuras: The Power-Seeking Spirits of Tradition

In Khmer art and cosmology—most notably seen at the gates of Angkor Thom—the Devas (Gods) are often depicted on one side and the Asuras (often referred to as Yaksha or Giants) on the other.

The Asura (Sanskrit: असुर) are a class of superhuman beings distinct from the Devas. While the Devas represent benevolence, the Asuras are characterized as a power-seeking clan.

  • In Brahmanism: They are the rivals of the gods in the Trāyastriṃśa heaven, led by their chief, Vepacitti.

  • In Buddhism: The term is often translated as “Demigods,” “Titans,” or “Anti-gods.” They represent a realm of existence driven by envy and competition.

The Symbolism of Balance

In Khmer architecture, the depiction of King Jayavarman VII alongside these figures represents the cosmic balance. On the right side, the Devas symbolize protection and divinity, while the Asuras on the opposite side represent the raw, powerful forces of nature and the spirit world. Together, they guard the entrance to the sacred city, symbolizing a kingdom that is protected by both divine grace and formidable strength.

Did you know? The statues at the gates of Angkor Thom represent the “Churning of the Ocean of Milk,” a myth where Devas and Asuras must work together to obtain the elixir of immortality.