The shift from Hindu to Buddhist use at Angkor Wat was marked by a series of architectural and artistic changes that unfolded over several centuries.

These changes reveal the process of religious syncretism and adaptation at the heart of Cambodia’s cultural history.

1. Installation of Buddhist Statues and Shrines

• Buddha Images: One of the first and most visible transformations was the installation of Buddhist statues throughout the temple. Hindu deities and sculptures were replaced, supplemented, or re-purposed as images of the Buddha, bodhisattvas, and Buddhist guardians began to occupy prominent spaces within the temple.

• Stupas: Buddhist brick stupas were added, especially in courtyards and on temple platforms, reflecting Theravada Buddhist ritual needs.

2. Repurposing of Temple Space for Buddhist Rituals

• Ritual Adaptation: Previous spaces dedicated to Hindu rites were adapted for Buddhist practice, such as meditation halls and ritual platforms for offerings and ceremonies specific to Buddhist traditions.

• Dedication Zones: Some sections remained unchanged or intentionally left empty out of respect for the original Hindu purpose (e.g., the northeast corner, honoring Shiva).

3. Artistic Modifications and Iconography Integration

• Buddhist Themes in Bas-Reliefs: New reliefs and wall carvings introduced Buddhist themes and stories, adding to or occasionally replacing earlier Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

• Coexistence: In many cases, Hindu motifs were preserved side-by-side with Buddhist additions, resulting in a rich blend of imagery.

• Refinish and Restoration: Damaged statues from past conflicts (such as the Thai invasions) were incorporated into the complex—sometimes refashioned with Buddhist iconography—demonstrating the temple’s evolving purpose and historical layers.

4. Adaptation of Ritual Function

• Theravada Influence: By the 15th century, as Theravada Buddhism became dominant, Angkor Wat was repurposed to serve Buddhist monks and pilgrims. The temple layout was modified to better support Buddhist rituals and monastic life, while retaining core elements from its Vishnu-worshipping origins.

• Preservation of Hindu Symbolism: Central architectural features (like the quincunx of towers symbolizing Mount Meru) remained intact, as they were meaningful to both Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.

Architectural Syncretism and Legacy

The architectural evolution of Angkor Wat did not erase its Hindu past; instead, it layered new Buddhist meanings over an enduring Hindu framework:

• Most original Hindu iconography, inscriptions, and bas-reliefs remain visible today, coexisting with later Buddhist additions.

• This blend makes Angkor Wat a powerful symbol of Cambodian identity and an extraordinary record of religious transformation.