Yaśodharapura Explained

Yashodharapura
Native Name:យសោធរបុរៈ
Native Name Lang:Khmer
Alternate Name:Angkor
Map Type:Cambodia
Map Size:250
Relief:yes
Map Dot Label:Yashodharapura
Location:Siem Reap, Cambodia
Region:Southeast Asia
Builder:Yasovarman I
Built:late 9th century AD
Abandoned:1431 AD
Epochs:Middle Ages
Condition:restored and ruined
Public Access:Yes
Architectural Styles:Bakheng, Pre Rup, Banteay Srei, Khleang, Baphuon, Angkor Wat, Bayon and post Bayon

Yashodharapura (; in Central Khmer pronounced as /jeaʔ sao tʰeaʔ reaʔ boʔ raʔ/;[1] "Yashodharapura"), also known as Angkor, was the capital of the Khmer Empire for most of its history. It was established by King Yashovarman I in the late 9th century and centred on the temple of Phnom Bakheng.[2] [3]

Yashodharapura was referred to in the inscriptions as Phnom Kandal (Central Mountain). Phnom Bakheng was constructed just before the foundation of Yashodharapura due to Yashovarman's belief that the mountain was among the holiest of places to worship the Hindu deities. Yashodharapura was linked to an earlier capital, Hariharalaya, by a causeway. The urban complex included the East Baray or Yashodharatataka.

The succeeding capitals built in the area were called Yashodharapura. One of those is Angkor Thom, centred on the Bayon temple by King Jayavarman VII (1181-1218AD).

In 1352, King U Thong (also known as Ramathibodi I of the Ayutthaya Kingdom) laid siege to it. The Ayutthaya were successful the next year in capturing the city, placing one of their princes on the throne. In 1357 the Khmer regained it. Angkor Thom was raided and abandoned in the 15th century by King Borommarachathirat II of Ayutthaya.[4]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Headley, Robert K.; Chim, Rath; Soeum, Ok. 1997. Cambodian-English Dictionary. Dunwoody Press. University of Michigan. . http://sealang.net/khmer/dictionary.htm
  2. Book: Coedès, George. The Indianized States of Southeast Asia. University of Hawaii Press. trans.Susan Brown Cowing. 1968. 978-0-8248-0368-1. George Coedès. Walter F. Vella.
  3. Higham, C., 2001, The Civilization of Angkor, London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson,
  4. Web site: Yasodharapura, revived in literature. Donald Richie. 23 September 2007. The Asian Bookshelf. The Japan Times. 4 May 2013.