Rajendravarman II.
Rajendravarman II († 968 ) was from 944 until his death King of the Khmer Empire. He resided in Yashodharapura (Angkor ). Rajendravarman II undertook a campaign against Champa and was able to expand the dominion considerably. During his reign the Eastern Mebon and Pre Rup were built and others and the independent Pre Rup style was developed. To inscriptions found at four temples of Rajendravarman II, including the longest Sanskrit inscription of the Khmer Empire.
Predecessor
On Jayavarman IV ( 928-941 ), who had Koh Ker became the capital of the Khmer Empire, followed Harshavarman II ( 941-944 ), who also resided in Koh Ker. When taking over the reign Harshavarman II was probably assisted by his cousin Rajendravarman II, because he was not the designated heir to the throne. As Harsahvarman II died three years later (possibly by outside influences ), was Rajendravarman II King. This moved the capital of the Khmer Empire again in the Angkor region after Yashodharapura.
Reign
Shortly after the takeover took Rajendravarman II in the area of Angkor. He who restored the ancient capital Yashodharapura that Yasovarman I ( 889-910 ) had built. Only a campaign against the Champa is documented, in which it succeeded the Khmer rulers to capture the golden Portrait of a Bhagavathi. Rajendravarman could the Khmer Empire enormously to enlarge; Parts of Burma, Thailand and vast areas of the southern region of China to Yunnan included, among other things. Rajendravarman II was a follower of Hinduism, but showed great tolerance toward Buddhism. His minister Kavindrarimathana was a Buddhist and responsible for the construction of the King.
Succession
After the death of his son Jayavarman V. Rajendravarman II (968 - 1001) was at the age of ten years king ..
Construction
The two most important temples, was responsible for the Kavindrarimathana on behalf of Rajendravarman II, are the Eastern Mebon and Pre Rup. The Eastern Mebon ( Mebon = island temple ) was in the Eastern Baray ( Yashodharatataka ), the Yasovarman I. had built, built on an artificial, 117 meters x 114 meters large island and consecrated in 952. Just south of this and about 200 meters from the shores of ( now dried up ) Baray removed the Pre Rup, a temple mountain, which was opened about 9 years later rises. The temple Kutisvara, Prasat Leak Neang Prasat Bat Chum and emerged fully formed during the reign of Rajendravarman II probably had Rajendravarman II and the Temple Baksei Chamkrong. Whether began under Rajendravarman with the construction of the temple Phimeanakas, is not yet clear beyond doubt.
The so-called Pre Rup style ( 944 - ca 968 ), to which the sanctuaries Pre Rup, East Mebon, Bat Chum and Kutisvara count forms the transition from the Koh Ker style ( 928-944 ) to Banteay Srei Style ( 967 - 1000). In comparison with the colossal and dynamic sculptures of the Koh Ker style statues of Pre Rup style are relatively small and static.
Even during the reign of Rajendravarman II of about 20 kilometers northeast of Angkor temples located Banteay Srei ( Citadel of the Women = ) was inaugurated ( 967 the sanctuary was completed, the foundation stele was 968 attached ). This temple of pink sandstone, however, was not built by the ruler, but by two Brahmins.
Inscriptions
Rajendravarman made Attach four temples 947-961 inscriptions.
Inscription on Baksei Chamkrong
This inscription was placed in the year 947 and contains 48 verses in Sanskrit. Among other things, boasts Rajendravarman II his ancestry, which he attributes one hand on Srutavarman ( Solares gender) and Rudravarman of Funan ( Lunar race ).
Inscription on the Eastern Mebon
This inscription was placed in the year 952 and is equipped with 218 verses one of the longest Sanskrit inscriptions of the Khmer Empire. The inscription mentions the campaign against the Champa. For descent from Rajendravarman II it says that he was the son of Mahendradevi and Mehandravarman. The inscription also states that the rulers have understood the Buddhist teachings.
Inscription at Pre Rup
With 298 Sanskrit verses is this inscription, which was attached to 961, the longest of all the inscriptions of the Khmer Empire. It is very important because the relationship of Rajendravarman II is explained in detail.
Inscriptions of Bat Chum
The inscriptions of Bat Chum were attached by the year 960. There are six texts which are carved into the door jamb of the three brick towers of Bat Chum. More than 200 lines were written in Sanskrit and in verse. They were written by poets who signed their texts. 14 lines in Khmer ( prose ) were added. In none of these six inscriptions it comes to the royal genealogy. Mention the throne in the year 944, the campaign against the Champa and the restoration of Yashodharapura that of Yasovarman I. founded capital. Further, the construction of a Mandir is called ( to which building it is, is not known), and the construction of the island temple in Yasodharatataka (Eastern Baray ) mentioned. An inscription states that Kavindrarimathana 've created a lake ( maybe it was a first plant of Srah Srang ).