Prasat Kok Trapeang Kak (Kok Khpuos)

A recently discovered stone inscription at Tuol Prasat Kok Trapeang Kak, located in Oddar Meanchey Province, Cambodia, provides new insights into the presence of Theravada Buddhism in the region. The inscription, written in both Sanskrit and Pali, is suggested to date back to the 11th century, aligning with the Angkorian period. This finding suggests a continuity of Theravada Buddhist practices in the area, further contributing to the understanding of the religious landscape of ancient Cambodia. Previously, Pali inscriptions and Theravada inscriptions of the ancient Khmer Empire were limited to those found in the circa 7th century and the late Angkorian and post-Angkorian period circa 13th century onwards.

The discovery, made on January 26, 2025, was led by local heritage officials and scholars, who carefully examined and documented the inscription. The text contains references to Buddhist teachings, reinforcing the presence of Theravada traditions that coexisted with Mahayana and other religious practices in Cambodia during different historical phases.

This inscription adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the spread of Theravada Buddhism before its more widely recognized dominance in the post-Angkorian era. The study of this text will help scholars refine their understanding of religious transitions in medieval Southeast Asia.

Reference

• AMS Khmer Civilisation – សិលាចារឹករកឃើញថ្មីនៅទួលប្រាសាទគោកត្រពាំងកក់ ស្រុកបន្ទាយអំពិល ខេត្តឧត្តរ មានជ័យ – https://ams.com.kh/khmercivilization/detail/31435