Angkor Temple Guide: #12 Bayon

The Bayon is simply magnificent. If you only get to visit two temples in the whole of Cambodia make sure his is one of them. The other of course being Angkor Wat. The Bayon is certainly my favourite outside of Angkor Wat. It captivates and moves you. The faces seem to follow you round, and must have terrified people of old. Built in the late 12th early and 13th century this was the state temple of King Jayavarman. Upon his death it was changed by later kings. It consists of 37 towers, upon which 216 staggeringly beautiful faces have been carved. The similarity of these have led scholars to argue that they are the face of Jayavarman himself. Others claim it is the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokitesvara or Lokesvara.

The magnificent Bayon, the carved faces must have struck awe in the hearts of ancient people

Interestingly, these two theories are not mutually exclusive. There is a good chance that in line with the thinking of the day, Jayarvaman would have thought of himself as a “devaraja” (the god king). As a adherent of the Buddhist faith, this would have meant that he identified himself with Buddha and the bodhisattva.

The temple is totally crammed into a space for which it seems too small. The corridors and alleyways inside it are quite remarkable and it is a great place for exploring. The Bayon sits at the exact centre of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Roads lead out from each of its four sides and connect to the four gates of the city. There are two galleried enclosures (the third and second enclosures), and finally the upper or first enclosure.

The Bayon is certainly one of my favourites out of all the Angkor Temples

The faces are not the only carvings found here. There are bas reliefs of superb intricacy. Battle scenes or scenes of everyday activities like going to market. It really is exceptional work. The Bayon is simply wonderful. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on visiting this temple.

Previously published:
1: Ak Yom https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-1-ak-yom
2: Angkor Thom https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-2-angkor-thom
3: Angkor Wat https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-3-angkor-wat
4: Bakong https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-4-bakong
5: Baksei Chamrong https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-5-baksei-chamrong
6: Banteay Kdei https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-6-banteay-kdei
7: Banteay Prei https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-7-banteay-prei
8: Banteay Samre https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-8-banteay-samre
9: Banteay Srey https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-9-banteay-srey
10: Baphuon https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-10-baphuon
11: Bat Chum https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/angkor-temple-guide-11-bat-chum

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