From early age the Khmers had acknowledged the two great religions from India. The names are Buddhism and Hinduism. Out of these two Hinduism was more popular. This religion had played an important role in Khmer civilization. The Angkor monarchs followed its concept of deva-raja which was also known as ‘god-king’. The king was worshipped by this name as an incarnation of the god Shiva. Shiva is actually a supreme God regarded as a protector of the earth.
In Angkor Empire most temples were devoted to either god Vishnu or god Shiva. Temples are always believed to be a sacred place and the holy house of the supreme gods. These were cautiously built with fine arts. The used materials are usually hardy and made of everlasting stones. Many impressive carvings of great workmanship were enshrined in various temples.
Next the Khmers worshipped the Buddhism of Mahayana sect. This religion came just after or some persons say that even at the same time as Hinduism. But it can always be said that Buddhism was less prominent.
In Cambodia it can be seen from past history that both Mahayana Buddhism and Hinduism played a significant role as the religious, political and philosophical pillars of Khmer Civilization. By them the king was worshiped as the deva-raja or god-king. This ideology or theory enabled the king to rule throughout the country. The rule was about absolute monarch with some sort of sovereign spirituality over his people. This attitude has enhanced the unity of the kingdom. Serial or successive kings were able to mobilize or circulate large manpower to serve the army. The kings also maintain extensive irrigation system. They also built some massive temples in Cambodia.
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