Phnom Kulen is generally held to be the birthplace of the great Khmer empire that dominated Southeast Asia for five centuries. In 802AD, King Jayavarman II is reputed to have proclaimed independence from Java and founded the kingdom of Kambuja. His coronation took place in the Kulen Mountains and evidence of his fledgeling realm can still be seen in this remote and fascinating part of Cambodia. The Kulen National Park contains many sites of natural and historical interest. A magnificent waterfall dominates the forest terrain and draws countless local visitors on weekends and national holidays. In the nearby River of 1000 Lingas, thousands of linga stands remain submerged in the water. The cult of worshipping these phallic representations of the god Shiva was established by Jayavarman II and continued through the reigns of innumerable Angkorian kings