Bayon Wat (Bayon Temple, wat meaning temple in Khmer) is located at the center of the city of Angkor Thom. Built by its founder Jayavarman VII circa late 12th to early 13th Century A.D., it was the last state temple built at Angkor Wat.
The temple is was not actually known as "Bayon" in its time but Jayagiri, or "Victory Mountain". It was given the name Bayon in the 1880's by a French archaeologist making a translation.
There are a total of 216 faces throughout the temple, all with a serene smile. As with gates of Angkor Thom, experts are not sure who the faces are meant to represent: King Jayavarman VII, Brahma, or the Buddhist bodhisattva (enlightened one) of compassion.
Another naga, the half human/half serpent serving as a temple guardian.
The Bayon Wat is filled with bas-relief carvings.
The first time in my travels this has ever been an active concern:
The concern. It is warm in Cambodia even in Winter, and everyone benefits from a mid-day nap:
Good thing it was nap time for the monkeys. :)The stonework is fascinating. It has an Asian flavor to it, but is unique. I would have loved to have seen the place when it was still new.
ReplyDeleteStonework has lasted a few centuries TB , don't believe I had "Monkey attacks" on my card for 2026.......:)
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