The Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has called on the public, particularly wedding officiates and event organizers, to refrain from incorporating the “Rudra Abhishek Ritual” into weddings, citing that the practice deviates from traditional Khmer customs.

In a March 6 announcement, the Ministry highlighted the recent discovery of social media pages promoting the inclusion of the Shiva Lingam ceremony in wedding ceremonies. The ministry explained that this ritual, historically significant to ancient kings, was traditionally performed at sacred temple sites and by high-ranking Brahmins. It was conducted as an act of devotion to Lord Shiva, seeking spiritual purification, blessings, and prosperity.

However, the Ministry clarified that weddings are sacred unions symbolizing a couple’s transition into married life, rooted in Khmer tradition. While some Khmer wedding customs incorporate Brahmanic elements—like the “Bangvil Popil” ceremony representing the union of Shiva and Uma—there is no historical precedent for the Shiva Lingam ritual being part of Cambodian weddings. The ministry emphasized that the practice does not hold spiritual or cultural significance for newlyweds and should not be adopted into wedding ceremonies.

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