CAMBODIA
The Reamker is the Cambodian version of the Ramayana. There is evidence of the importance of Rama's story in Cambodian culture that dates to the 6th century AD. The earliest references to the Rama story are found in temple iconography and epigraphy. During the medieval centuries several versions of literary texts entitled Ramaker were written. Today we see evidence of the Ramakerti in oral tales, visual, and performing arts, especially classical dance of the Cambodian court.

The bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat depict many episodes of the story of Rama. In fact, we can see in the iconography Indian ideas were adapted to the local culture when Agni, the Fire God, rides on a rhinoceros in Cambodia rather than a ram as in the Sanskrit Ramayana. This is probably due to its fiery temperment and that it is native to Cambodia.

Although Theravada Buddhism was introduced and accepted in Cambodia during the medieval period, and prince Rama's image was modified to resemble prince Siddharta, Brahmans remained at court and performed specific sacred riturals. Rama was shown to deal with his opponents in a non-violent way, on the model of Buddha. When more aggressive action was needed, Lak (Lakshmana, Rama's brother), or the monkey soldiers would intervene. Although Rama was depicted as Buddha there were abundant references in the epic to many Hindu gods. There are some Cambodian Buddhist monasteries which have preserved palm-leaf manuscripts of Ramaker among their sacred texts.

Besides Ramaker's instructional and religious importance, episodes from the Ramaker are often performed within villages for magical purposes. When there is a drought the people hope that the performance will produce rain.

There is a monastery in Phnom Penh with approximately 193 paintings of the Rama legend.

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