Mahendraparvata

Mahendraparvata was one of the early capitals of the Khmer Empire, established by Jayavarman II in the early 9th century CE. Located on the holy mountain of Phnom Kulen, north of modern Siem Reap, it served as a significant religious and political center during the empire's formative years. Jayavarman II used this site for his consecration as devaraja (God-King) in 802 CE, marking a pivotal moment in establishing Khmer independence and identity. While Jayavarman II later moved his capital, Mahendraparvata remains a testament to the early foundations of the powerful Khmer civilization that would later build the famous temples of Angkor.12