Suryavarman II

Suryavarman II, also known as Paramavishnuloka after his death, was a Khmer king who built Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument, which he dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. His monumental architecture, numerous military campaigns, and restoration of strong government during his reign have led historians to regard Suryavarman as one of the empire's greatest kings. As the result, Suryavarman II is also regarded as one of the most important historical figures in Cambodia

Suryavarman II died between 1145 and 1150 AD, possibly during a military campaign against Champa; prior to that, his troops were defeated by Vietnamese troops led by Tô Hiến Thành. Suryavarman II was succeeded by Dharanindravarman II, a cousin and the son of the king's mother's brother. There was a period of weak rule and feuding.

Suryavarman was given the posthumous name Paramavishnuloka, which means "He Who Has Entered Vishnu's Heavenly World." Angkor Wat appears to have been finished only after he died.

Today, visitors arriving at Siem Reap International Airport are greeted by a modern sculpture that adapts his court image in the Angkor Wat bas reliefs. Parasols shade this image of the king, just as they did Suryavarman nearly nine centuries ago.