Indra in Khmer Literature during Angkor Period

Abstract

The article aims to study the characteristics and roles of Indra in Khmer literature inthe post- Angkorian period. The belief in Indra spread to the Kingdom of Cambodia alongwith two important religions from India. During the time when Hinduism was glorious, Indrafound in Khmer inscriptions was Bharma Indra. He was presented as a graceful god warriorwho protected the east part of the world. Later, after the ruin of the Angkor Empire, Cambodiansconverted to Theravada Buddhism. Indra in this period was, therefore, depicted as a Buddhist Indra rather than Bharma Indra. This means that the position of Indra was no longerpermanent, yet it could be rotated. Moreover, Indra was regarded as a god that supportedBuddhism. Apart from this, Cambodian people also created Cambodian Indra based ontheir two important folklores which are Priah Koo and Priah Kaew and Priah Ket Mialia whobuilt Angkor Wat.Key words‹ : Indra Indian God‹Khmer Literature