The religious beliefs of Khmer kings played a crucial role in the transformation of Angkor Wat from its original identity as a grand Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu into a prominent Buddhist site over several centuries.

Original Hindu Foundation under King Suryavarman II

Angkor Wat was constructed in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple devoted to Vishnu. This dedication reflected the king's personal devotion and broader religious values of the Khmer Empire at the time. The temple’s design symbolized Hindu cosmology, with architectural elements representing Mount Meru and extensive bas-reliefs of Hindu epics like the Ramayana. The king portrayed himself as a "devaraja" or god-king, embodying divine authority linked to Vishnu, which reinforced the empire's spiritual and political order.

Buddhist Influence under Jayavarman VII and Later Kings

In the late 12th century, under King Jayavarman VII, who was a devout Mahayana Buddhist, Khmer religious life underwent a significant transformation. Although Jayavarman VII built new Buddhist temples specifically for Buddhist worship (like the Bayon at Angkor Thom), his reign also influenced the gradual incorporation of Buddhist elements into older Hindu sites, including Angkor Wat. Buddha statues and Buddhist iconography began to be added alongside or in place of Hindu imagery. This syncretism reflected the king’s policy of promoting Buddhism while respecting previous traditions, signaling a shift in religious and cultural identity.

Rise of Theravada Buddhism and Continued Evolution

By the 15th century, Theravada Buddhism became dominant in Cambodia, further transforming Angkor Wat’s spiritual role. Theravada Buddhist monks became active at the temple, and the temple was adapted for Buddhist worship rituals. Some Hindu images were repurposed, and inscriptions from the 16th to 18th centuries document royal Buddhist dedications at Angkor Wat. This sustained royal patronage ensured the temple remained a living spiritual center despite political changes and the decline of the Khmer Empire.

Political and Cultural Context

The religious beliefs of the Khmer kings were intertwined with political power. Their endorsement of Buddhism helped maintain social cohesion and royal legitimacy during periods of change and uncertainty. The adoption of Buddhist ideals of compassion and spiritual solace became politically and culturally advantageous as the empire faced decline and external pressures.

In summary, the Khmer kings’ religious beliefs deeply influenced Angkor Wat’s transformation:

• Suryavarman II established it as a Vishnu-centered Hindu temple symbolizing divine kingship.

• Jayavarman VII’s Mahayana Buddhist faith initiated the introduction of Buddhist iconography and the elevation of Buddhist practices.

• Later kings embraced Theravada Buddhism, fully integrating Angkor Wat into Buddhist worship while preserving its status as a sacred and national symbol.

This layered religious evolution allowed Angkor Wat to remain relevant spiritually, culturally, and politically for centuries, reflecting Khmer society's dynamic spiritual landscape.

This explanation is supported by historical interpretations highlighting the interaction of Hinduism and Buddhism in Khmer royal patronage and temple transformation.