Cambodia is a southeast Asian country with monumental temples that rise from jungle canopies. While today often associated with Theravฤda Buddhism, Cambodia’s ancient spiritual and architectural heart was once profoundly Hindu. From the 6th to the 13th century, Khmer kings commissioned awe-inspiring sanctuaries to Shiva, Vishnu, and the Devis. The Khmer people welcomed Indian insights and applied it to their needs with local genius.
The pre-Angkorian period (6th–8th centuries) saw early shrines in places like Sambor Prei Kuk, capital of the Chenla kingdom in central Cambodia. Then came the Angkorian golden age (9th–13th centuries), when hundreds of beautiful temples, monasteries, stone bridges and highways, schools and hospitals transformed the landscape, particularly around Siem Reap. Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument, is the crown jewel—a Vishnu temple aligned with celestial precision and adorned with scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. In nearby mountains are Hindu cave temples and lingams carved in river bed.
Cambodia later witnessed a syncretic culture with introduction of Mahฤyฤna Buddhism, leaving behind masterpieces like Bayon with smiling Buddhas. Across Cambodia—from Phnom Kulen to Preah Vihear—Khmer temples stand as stone archives of devotion, innovation, and prosperous architecture.