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Rájendravarman (944-968)

The son of Yasovarman IV, Prince Harshavarman II came to the throne after his father’s death. King Rájendravarman succeeded him. The latter’s father had resided in Bhavapura and his mother was called Mahendradeví. The new king transferred the caputal, and the power, back from Koh Kor to Yasodharapura, present-day Phnom Backheng. He continued to worship the Devarája cult.

Rájendravarman completed the construction of monuments begun under the reigns of his predecessors, such as the Phimean Akas temple. In 952, in the middle of the Yasodharatatáka reservoir, he built the Eastern Mebon, a temple dedicated to his ancestors depicted as maor Brahmanism deitied, and Pre Rup temple south of this Baray. He was named Preah Sicaloka after his death.

Jayavarman V (968-1001)


Son of King Rájendravarman, Jayavarman V came to the throne at a young age. His spiritual master was Yajnavaraha, the man who had been his father’s adviser and who had begun the construction of Banteay Srei temple. The king completed the construction of the temple, which is considered to be his main achievement.

Jayavarman V was named Preah Paramaviraloka after his death.

Banteay Srei temple (photo National Museum, no. 3796-1936)

Banteay Srei temple, view from the east of East Gopura II
(photo National Museum, no. 7014-1936)

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