The Bayon, original name so called Mohanagara JayaKiri Borpaat, The Great Victory Meru Mountain Temple, is one of the most famous temples in the Angkor complex. Richly decorated, this impressive temple had been built in the late 12th century or early 13th century as the official state temple of Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII. The Bayon stands at the center of Angkor Thom city of The crown King. Following Jayavarman's death, it had been modified and augmented by later Hindu Sivaist iconoclast king Jayavarman VIII and later by Theravada Buddhist king in accordance with their own religious preferences.The Bayon's most distinctive features is the multitude of serene and massive stone faces on it 54 towers which jut out from upper terrace and cluster around it center peak. The smiling, gargantuan faces, meant to represent the Boddhisatva Avalokittesvara, bear more than a passing resemblance to the great king himself. The Bayon is decorated with 1.2 km of extraordinary bas-reliefs, incorporating more than 11000 figures, depicting everyday life in 12th century Cambodia.
TECH TIPS:
-Google Maps and Street View: Siem Reap and the Angkor Vat complex has been digitized to help you explore the vast historical site.
-Angkor Vat Cambodia Tour Guide: This android and iPhone app from Guiddoo helps you explore the complex with its fantastic audio-visual travel guide.