Introduction
The Khmer Empire, one of the most magnificent civilizations in Southeast Asia, has a founding legend filled with mystery and miracles. The Naga legend is a significant myth in the founding of the Khmer Empire, telling the story of how humans and divine beings together created a great empire. This story not only showcases the wisdom and courage of the Khmer ancestors but also reflects their reverence for nature and the divine.
The Naga Legend of the Khmer Empire
Long ago, in the Indochinese Peninsula, there was a kingdom called Khmer, known for its scenic beauty, fertile land, and peaceful life. However, the founding of this kingdom is closely tied to a mysterious legend about the Naga—a mythical serpent deity.
In a distant era, there was a young and handsome Indian Brahmin named Kaundinya, known for his skills in divination and astronomy. During a meditation, he dreamt of a beautiful woman calling to him, guiding him to an unknown land. Believing this to be a divine message, Kaundinya set out on a journey to find the woman and the mysterious place from his dream.
After a long journey, Kaundinya arrived at a beautiful lake. The water was crystal clear, surrounded by dense forests. There, he saw the woman from his dream—a beautiful princess named Soma. Princess Soma was the daughter of the Naga King, the ruler of a subterranean kingdom filled with endless treasures and mystical powers.
Princess Soma was delighted by Kaundinya’s arrival and told him she had seen him in her dreams as well, believing their meeting was destined. Kaundinya was deeply attracted to Princess Soma’s beauty and wisdom, and they quickly fell in love. Princess Soma took Kaundinya to meet her father, the Naga King, hoping to receive his blessing.
Initially, the Naga King was skeptical of this mortal youth, but after witnessing Kaundinya’s wisdom and sincerity, he accepted him as his son-in-law. To demonstrate his divine power, the Naga King used his magic to part the lake, revealing a vast, fertile land, which he bestowed upon Kaundinya and Soma as their kingdom. This land later became the Khmer Empire.
Kaundinya and Soma established their kingdom on this land, naming it Funan. Their wise and benevolent rule quickly earned the love of the people. The Khmer people believed in the Naga’s divine power and regarded the Naga as their guardian deity. To commemorate the Naga King’s gift, they held grand annual ceremonies, offering rich tributes and prayers to the Naga.
In the early days of Funan, Kaundinya and Princess Soma faced many challenges. They had to cultivate the land, build cities, and fend off invasions from external enemies. Kaundinya, with his wisdom and courage, led the people to defeat their enemies repeatedly, safeguarding their homeland.
Once, the Funan Kingdom encountered an unprecedented flood. The floodwaters devastated the fields, and the people fell into despair. Kaundinya and Princess Soma prayed to the Naga King for help. The Naga King responded by sending an army of Nagas to aid them. Thousands of Nagas emerged from the underground, using their powerful bodies to build flood barriers, successfully stopping the flood’s spread. After the flood receded, Kaundinya and Princess Soma led the people in rebuilding their homes and restoring agricultural production, bringing prosperity back to Funan.
Besides defending against natural disasters and invasions, Kaundinya and Princess Soma also focused on cultural and religious development. They introduced Indian religion and culture, building numerous temples and shrines, promoting the prosperity of Khmer culture. Under their rule, Funan gradually became a cultural and religious center in Southeast Asia.
Princess Soma was not only a beautiful princess but also possessed extraordinary wisdom and leadership skills. She co-governed the kingdom with Kaundinya, driving a series of reforms to improve the people’s lives. She cared about the people’s well-being, often personally inspecting the fields, listening to their concerns, and resolving their difficulties. Her kindness and wisdom earned her the people’s love and respect.
As time passed, the descendants of Kaundinya and Princess Soma continued to develop and strengthen Funan. The Naga legend was passed down through generations of Khmer people, becoming an integral part of their faith and culture. The Naga became not only the guardian deity of the Khmer Empire but also a significant cultural symbol, representing strength, protection, and prosperity.
Under the Naga legend’s protection, the Khmer Empire experienced many glorious eras. They built magnificent temples and palaces and created splendid culture and art. The image of the Naga was prominently featured in these structures and artworks, becoming one of the symbols of Khmer culture.
During the annual Naga festival, the Khmer people held grand celebrations to thank the Naga for their protection and blessings. They lit lamps by the rivers and lakes and released sky lanterns, symbolizing their respect and prayers to the Naga. These rituals were not only acts of worship but also symbols of the Khmer people’s unity and faith.
On a bright moonlit night, Kaundinya and Princess Soma stood on the palace terrace, gazing at their prosperous kingdom. Princess Soma gently leaned on Kaundinya’s shoulder and whispered, “My love, our kingdom has become so beautiful and strong under the Naga’s protection. We must continue to strive to make the Khmer Empire an everlasting glory.”
Kaundinya held Princess Soma’s hand firmly and said, “Yes, my dear. As long as we remain united and continue to believe in and honor the Naga’s power, our kingdom will prosper forever.”
The Naga legend of the Khmer Empire is more than just a myth. It symbolizes the Khmer people’s reverence and faith in nature and the divine. This legend inspires generations of Khmer people, teaching them how to remain resilient and hopeful in the face of difficulties and how to find strength and wisdom in challenges.
