The Bayon Temple was splendidly built in the center of the Capital AngkorThom by King Jayavarman VII between the late 12th century and the early 13th century. It was the last state temple
with its Mahayana Buddhist Shrinein the Angkorian era. Following the death of King Jayavarman II, it was modified and augmented by Hindu and Theravada Buddhist kings in accordance with their religious preferences.
The Bayon’s most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and massive stone faces on the many towers that jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak. The similarity of the 216 gigantic faces to other statues of Jayavarman VII has led many scholars to the hypothesis
that the faces are representations of the king himself. Others believe that the faces belong to Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
The temple is also popular for two impressive sets of bas-reliefs, which present an unusual combination of mythological, historical, and mundane scenes. This is one of the many ‘must visit’ temples.
The Bayon’s most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and massive stone faces on the many towers that jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak. The similarity of the 216 gigantic faces to other statues of Jayavarman VII has led many scholars to the hypothesis
that the faces are representations of the king himself. Others believe that the faces belong to Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
The temple is also popular for two impressive sets of bas-reliefs, which present an unusual combination of mythological, historical, and mundane scenes. This is one of the many ‘must visit’ temples.
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