Suryavarman II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Suryavarman II |
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| King of the Khmer Empire | |||||||||
| Reign | 1113–1150 | ||||||||
| Predecessor | Dharanindravarman I | ||||||||
| Successor | Dharanindravarman II | ||||||||
| Born | 11th century A.D. Angkor, Khmer Empire (now in Siem Reap, Cambodia) |
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| Died | 1145/1150 Angkor, Khmer Empire (now in Siem Reap, Cambodia) |
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| Father | Ksitindraditya | ||||||||
| Mother | Narendralakshmi | ||||||||
| Religion | Hinduism | ||||||||
Suryavarman II (whose name in Khmer is សូរ្យវរ្ម័នទី២) was a powerful king of the Khmer Empire. He ruled from 1113 AD to about 1145-1150 AD. He is most famous for building Angkor Wat. This is the largest religious building in the world. He dedicated it to the Hindu god Vishnu.
Historians believe Suryavarman II was one of the greatest Khmer kings. This is because of his amazing buildings, many military actions, and how he made the government strong again.
Contents
Becoming King: Early Life
Suryavarman grew up in a part of the empire far from the capital. At this time, the central government was not very strong. His father was Ksitindraditya, and his mother was Narendralakshmi.
As a young prince, he believed he had a right to be king. An old writing says he wanted to become king for his family. He first dealt with another person who also wanted the throne. Then, he went against the old King Dharanindravarman I. This king was his great-uncle and was not very effective.
An old writing describes a big battle. It says he "killed him, as Garuda on the edge of a mountain would kill a serpent." Experts are not sure if this means he killed the other person who wanted the throne or King Dharanindravarman.
Suryavarman became king in 1113 AD. A wise priest named Divakarapandita led the ceremonies. This priest had helped crown kings three times before. The new king studied important religious practices. He also celebrated many festivals. He gave gifts to the priest, like special chairs, fans, and rings.
The king's official crowning happened in 1119 AD. Divakarapandita led these ceremonies too. The name Suryavarman comes from a Sanskrit word meaning "sun." The word Varman means "shield" or "protector." Khmer kings often used this name part.
Ruling the Empire: Life and Reign
During his time as king, Suryavarman II brought the empire back together. Other smaller kingdoms paid him tribute. He also led many military actions. He fought against the Chams in the east. However, these fights were not always successful.
Writings from nearby states like Champa and Đại Việt (an old Vietnamese state) tell us about his wars. Suryavarman attacked Đại Việt three times. He sometimes had help from Champa. In 1128 AD, he led 20,000 soldiers. But they were defeated and chased away. The next year, he sent a large fleet of over 700 ships to attack the coast.
In 1132 AD, Khmer and Cham armies attacked again. They tried one last time in 1138. But they did not win. Later, the Cham king made peace with Đại Việt. He refused to help Suryavarman with more attacks.
In 1145 AD, Suryavarman invaded Champa. He defeated their king and took over their capital city, Vijaya. He put a new king on the Cham throne. This new king was said to be his wife's younger brother. But Cham forces fought back. They took their capital back and killed the new king. A final trip in 1150 ended badly for Suryavarman's army.
Diplomacy and Trade
Besides fighting wars, Suryavarman also worked on diplomacy. He started official relations with China again in 1116 AD. A Chinese record from the 1200s says the Khmer group had 14 members. They were given special clothes when they arrived in China. One of the ambassadors told the Chinese emperor how great he was. The group went home the next year.
Another group visited China in 1120 AD. In 1128 AD, the Chinese emperor gave high honors to the Khmer ruler. He called him a "great vassal of the empire." They also discussed and set rules for trade between the two countries.
Building Wonders: Art and Architecture
King Suryavarman's rule saw amazing new ideas in art and building. He oversaw the building of Angkor Wat. This was the biggest temple ever built in the capital. Many people today think it is the best example of Khmer architecture.
Its five main towers look like the peaks of Mount Meru. This mountain is where the Hindu gods live. Angkor Wat was decorated with over 1,860 carved apsaras, which are heavenly dancers. It also had hundreds of meters of detailed carvings. These carvings showed Hindu stories and scenes from daily life.
Other temples built during his time include Banteay Samre, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda, and Wat Athvea. East of the capital, the huge Beng Mealea complex was also built.
Suryavarman was different from other Khmer kings. He focused on the god Vishnu in his court's religious life. Most other kings focused on Shiva. We do not know why he chose Vishnu. Experts have wondered if this is why Angkor Wat faces west. Vishnu is linked with the west, but most Khmer temples face east.
King in Art
Suryavarman II is the first Khmer king to be shown in art. A carving at Angkor Wat shows him sitting on a fancy wooden platform. Its legs and railings look like naga snakes. He wears a pointed crown and earrings. He also has bracelets and anklets. His right hand holds what looks like a small dead snake. No one is sure what this means. He looks calm and powerful.
This image is part of a special and detailed picture of court life in the Angkor period. The scene seems to be outside, in a forest. Servants kneel and hold many fans and umbrellas over the king. These showed his high rank. Princesses are carried in fancy chairs. Priests with beards watch. Some seem to be getting ready for a ceremony. To the king's right, a courtier kneels and seems to be giving him something. Advisers watch, kneeling, with their hands over their hearts. To the right, there is a grand parade. People blow conch shells, beat drums, and play gongs. A special box holding the royal fire, a symbol of power, is carried on shoulders.
Further in the gallery, there is a display of Suryavarman's military strength. Commanders with armor and weapons ride on fierce war elephants. Below them are rows of foot soldiers. Each soldier holds a spear and a shield. One of the commanders is the king himself. He looks over his right shoulder. His chest is covered with armor, and he holds a sharp weapon.
End of Reign: Death and Succession
Writings suggest that Suryavarman II died between 1145 AD and 1150 AD. He might have died during a military fight against Champa. His cousin, Dharanindravarman II, became king after him. Dharanindravarman II was the son of the king's mother's brother. After Suryavarman, there was a time of weak rule and fighting.
Suryavarman was given the name Paramavishnuloka after he died. This means "He Who Has Entered the Heavenly World of Vishnu." Angkor Wat seems to have been finished only after his death.
Today, a modern statue of Suryavarman II greets visitors at the Siem Reap airport. This statue is based on his image in the Angkor Wat carvings. Umbrellas shade this image of the king, just as they did for the real Suryavarman almost nine centuries ago.
See also
In Spanish: Suryavarman II para niños
