Samipya 1991 Vol 08 Ank 01 02

Author(s): Pravinchandra C Parikh, Bhartiben Shelat
Publisher: Bholabhai Jeshingbhai Adhyayan Sanshodhan Vidyabhavan

Page 30

Lokesvar appeared everywhere. Buddbism became the state religion at the end of the 12 tb cent, during the reign of Jayavarman VII.
Many of the rulers of Cambodia were Buddhists, but they never opposed the Devaraja cult. The Saiva and Buddhist religions were almost united. In Prasat Prah Khset inscription of Udayārkavarman dated Śaka 989(A.D. 1067)21 reference has been made to Brahma, Vişņu and Buddha's combined images (Trimārti).
In a sort of mixture with the Hindu faiths Buddhism already existed in Kambuja in the 7 th century A.D. Gifts of land and dancing girls were offered to Buddhist monasteries like the Saivite and Vaişnavite temples. Rajendravarman II (A.D. 944-968) is said to have studied Buddhist doctrine, but he could not be influenced much. Kavindrarimathana whom he appointed as his great minister was the first Buddhist minister of Kambuja period. He intrusted with the construction of a new capital and A new religious centre at Yasodharapura. The Bat chum sanctuary erected by Kavindrarimathan is the first Buddhist Sanctuary of Angkor Period.
During the reign of Jayavarman V, the son of Rajendravarman IT, Buddhism seems to have made great progress in Cambodia. From the inscription of Seri Santhor it is evident that Jayavarman V had also a Buddhist minister named Kırtti Pandita.
The earliest mention about Buddhism is contained in an inscription of the late 6th or 7 th cent. A.D. It records the donation of slaves to the Bodhisattvas-namely Šesta. Maitreya and Avalokitesvara. The Prasat Ta Kam inscription22 also mentions the installation of the statue of Lokeśvara. In the middle of Jayavarman VII's reign towards the end of the 12 th cent. I ckesvara fgures prominently. Vat Prei Var stone inscription of Jayavarman I dated Saka 58723 mentions about Buddhism which supports the idea that this religion entered Cambodia before the 7 th cent. A.D. Two Bhikkhus named Ratnabahu and Ratnasena are recorded to have been authorised by the king to utilise their religious properties. Kok Sambhor inscription of the reign of Rajendravarman gives a description of complimentary attitude towards the Samgha, Lord Buddha and Buddhism. Description of the installation of many statues of gods and goddesses of Buddhist belief are found in many inscriptions. Jayavarman's inscription of Thma Puok dated saka 911(A.D. 989) worship of Buddha, Prajñāpāramita, and Lokesvara have heen mentioned. The Phnom Pantay inscription records the installation of the statue of Buddha's mother and worship of Lokeśvara and Prajnaparamita. In Phimanaka inscription of Jayavarman VII, worship of Buddha and Lokesvara has been recorded. The two queens of this king were Buddhist. They were sisters and the elder one was well-versed in Buddhist literature. She had imparted educational training to Buddhist nuns of Nagendratung, Tilakottara and Narendrasrama monasteries. The Kok Svay Chak inscription of Srindravarman dated Saka 1230 records the donation of the king to Sri Indramauli and the construction of a vibāra in -which the idol of Lord Buddha was enshrined. In the Prasat Prah Khset inscription
261
[ Samipya : April, '91-March, 1992