Buddhist and Hindu Influences in Ancient Cambodia: Preceding Religious Traditions

The Great Khmer Empire, which thrived from the 9th to the 15th century, was deeply entrenched in both Hindu and Buddhist practices. But long before the rise of these religions, ancient Cambodians practiced a diverse array of ethnic religions rooted in animism, shamanism, and nature worship.

Religion in Ancient Cambodia

Before Hinduism and Buddhism, Cambodians held a wide variety of ethnic religions, labeled by anthropologists as “animistic,” “shamanistic,” or “nature-worshiping.” This ancient spirituality persists to this day and significantly influenced the development of Buddhism and Hinduism once they were introduced to the region.

Pre-Buddhist and Pre-Hindu Religious Practices

Ancestor worship and the veneration of spirits have long been an integral part of Cambodian religion. Unlike other parts of Asia, where the worship of individual lineages is common, such practices were notably absent in Cambodia. Traditionally, Cambodians did not—nor still do not in many instances—record surnames. Instead, the practice of taking the grandfather’s first name as a surname means that surnames change every two generations, and in some cases, no surnames were used at all by the general populace well into the 20th century.

Though often associated with ancestral veneration, the worship in Cambodia focused more on land and water guardians, known to the Khmers as Neak Tha. These spirits were collectively esteemed and honored by both residents and visitors to homes and businesses. In addition to organized shrines in homes and businesses, spirit houses (often set up in front of dwellings and establishments) and impromptu altars dedicated to these land and water guardians can be found throughout the countryside. Here, offerings of food and incense are regularly made by people passing by.

Angkor and the Great Khmer Empire

The Great Khmer Empire, which reached its height in 802 CE, was centered around the city of Angkor, home to the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex. Initially, Angkor Wat was dedicated to the Hindu deities Vishnu and Shiva. During the peak of the Khmer Empire, Buddhism began to gain traction, becoming the official state religion in the 13th century. Nevertheless, the empire's architecture, royal ceremonies, and cultural practices retained strong elements of Hinduism.

Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world, is a testament to the Khmers' devotion to Hinduism. The complex, known to the Khmers as a place “built by giants,” features intricate carvings depicting battles, divine beings, and mythological tales. The towers are adorned with depictions of Vishnu and Nagas, and statues of the Khmer king Jayavarman VII, a fusion of Hindu and indigenous Khmer influences.

Even in the present day, Angkor Wat continues to be a sacred site for Hindu rituals, conducted by Brahmin priests. Today, Cambodia is predominantly Buddhist but maintains strong Hindu elements, with many Buddhist practices incorporating animistic rites and shamanistic beliefs. This syncretism is particularly evident in the reverence of the wind god, or Suy), which is often associated with the Hindu tradition but integrated into the broader Cambodian belief system.

Modern Religious Practices and Their Roots

The influence of ancient animistic and shamanistic practices is evident in modern Cambodian religious practices. For instance, the belief in spirits and ancestor worship is still prevalent. Additionally, many of these traditions persist through various practices, including the veneration of spirit houses and the setting up of impromptu altars to honor local guardians. These elements serve as a reminder of the rich and diverse spiritual heritage that continues to shape Cambodian culture and traditions.

Wandering sages of a Hindu or indigenous bent were once a common sight throughout the land. However, many of these traditions have declined, replaced by more structured and codified religious practices. Still, animistic rites and shamanistic practices remain vibrant within the broader context of Buddhism. These include the use of magical stones, levitation, and the belief in the evil eye, all of which are deeply rooted in the pre-Hindu and pre-Buddhist spiritual beliefs of the Khmers.