21 Facts About Jayavarman VII

Jayavarman VII was the first king devoted to Buddhism, as only one prior Khmer king was a Buddhist.

Jayavarman VII then built the Bayon as a monument to Buddhism.

Jayavarman VII is generally considered the most powerful of the Khmer monarchs by historians.

Jayavarman VII's government built many projects including hospitals, highways, rest houses and temples.

Also in 1178, when he was in his mid 50s, Jayavarman came to historical prominence by leading a Khmer army that ousted the invaders, which included a naval battle depicted on the walls of the Bayon and Banteay Chmar.

Jayavarman VII put an end to the disputes between warring factions and in 1181 was crowned king himself.

Jayavarman VII was greatly helped by the military skill of refugee Prince Sri Vidyanandana, who played a part in the subsequent sacking and conquest of Champa.

Jayavarman VII expanded Khmer control of the Mekong Valley northward to Vientiane and to the south, down the Kra Isthmus.

Historians have identified many facets in Jayavarman VII's intensive building program.

Jayavarman VII built Neak Pean, one of the smallest but most beautiful temples in the Angkor complex, a fountain with four surrounding ponds set on an island in that artificial lake.

In 1186, Jayavarman VII dedicated Ta Prohm to his mother.

Jayavarman VII's bust has been a favorite of khmer households and a masterpiece of the National Museum for many years.

Jayavarman VII was succeeded by Dharanindravarman II, who ruled until 1160.

In 1181 Jayavarman VII became king after leading the Khmer forces against the Chams.

Jayavarman VII then exacted vengeance against Champa in 1190, for the earlier raid in 1177.

Jayavarman VII was succeeded by Indravarman II, who died by 1243.

Jayavarman VII embarked on the destruction or defacement of Jayavarman VII's Buddhist works.

The sons of a Khmer king did not necessarily inherit their father's thrones; Jayavarman VII himself had many sons, such as Suryakumara and Virakumara, and Srindrakumaraputra, the crown prince who died before his father, but only Indravarman II inherited the throne.

Jayavarman VII built 121 "houses with fire" rest houses built every fifteen kilometers along raised highways for travellers, and 102 hospitals.

Jayavarman VII married Princess Jayarajadevi and then, after her death, married her sister Indradevi.

Jayavarman VII be the father of Sikhara Mahadevi chief consorts of Pho Khun Pha Mueang that appear in Stele of Wat Sri choom Script of Sukhothai Historical Park.