The Devaraj Cult (God-King): A Sacred Saivite Ritual for Divine Kingship in Angkor (Ancient Cambodia)

By : Bachchan Kumar, H. Sudhirkumar Singh

Page No: 115-134

Abstract
From the beginning of the Common Era, the kingdoms of Southeast Asia had close connections with India. This close relation shaped the people’s socio, political, religious and cultural life. Moreover, religion played a significant role in the political affairs of the ruling dynasties. The rulers opted Hindu religious-rituals in order to consolidate political power. From epigraphic record we come across prevalence of religious ritual called as Devaraja cult. The Devaraja or so called “god-king” has been a subject of discussion among the scholars. The scholars laid their view on this subject. Moreover, it requires examination and re-examination. In the present paper we have analysed the “Devaraja Cult” as a sacred divine ritual for divine kingship in Indian politico-religious context based on the epigraphic and textual sources. The Sdok Kak Thom inscription mentions the Devaraja Cult reveals the divine kingship performed through a tantric ritual by a Brahmin.

Authors
Bachchan Kumar : Visiting Faculty, Department of South East Asian Studies, Manipur Central University, Canchipur, Manipur. 
H. Sudhirkumar Singh : Professor, Department of History, Manipur Central University, Canchipur, Manipur.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2025.50.6