The History of Prasat Preah Vihear

The History of Prasat Preah Vihear

The history of Prasat Preah Vihear 

The Temple of Prasat Preah Vihear was built over a period of time stretching through the reign of seven Khmer Monarchs. The Temple was started during the reign of Yasovarman I, who was in power from 889-910AD and was finished during the years of Suryavarman II (who built the great temples of Angkor) 1112-1152AD.

Prasat Preah Vihear translates into English as 'Sacred Monastery' and was a major pilgrimage site during the Angkor years. The Temple was dedicated to Shiva, a Hindu deity and worshippers from all over the Khmer World (and some from further away) came to ask for Shiva's blessing.

The pilgrims visiting the site started to dry up in the late Thirteenth Century, when Srindravarman deposed his Father-in-law, Jayavarman VIII. Srindravarman was a follower of Theravada Buddhism and he promptly made it the State religion. Theravad had spread from Sri Lanka and has already gained massive converts.

The records from the reign of Srindravarman are pretty poor and we do not know much about his years in power. We do know however, that no more major temple complexes were built as Therevada Buddhism needed no such temples to worship at.

Prasat Preah Vihear, it would seem was left to be a small Khmer outpost as the power shifted to the Phnom Penh region from Angkor. The power of the Thai Ayutthaya Kingdom threatened the Khmer and there was many attempts on Khmer lands. Thai records from the time mention the conquering of Angkor by Ayutthaya forces.

Today, Prasat Preah Vihear is a contentious issue between Cambodia and Thailand. The area was under Thai control for several centuries, until it was handed back to Cambodia during the time of the French protectorate. In 1959 after Cambodian independence, the Thais again seized the area, only for the Cambodians to take it to the International Court. The World backed Cambodian sovereignty and in a 1962 ruling, the area was again given back to Cambodia.