Jayapida, also known as Jayavarman VII, was a prominent king of the Khmer Empire, reigning from 1181 to 1218. He is best known for his significant contributions to the expansion and prosperity of the empire, particularly through his military campaigns against the Chams and the construction of numerous temples and infrastructure projects. Under Jayapida's rule, the empire saw a flourishing of art and architecture, with the famous Bayon Temple being one of his most notable achievements. His reign marked a period of cultural and religious transformation, as he promoted Buddhism and established it as the state religion, influencing the spiritual landscape of the region.