The Faces of Bayon

Angkor Wat is unquestionably the top destination in Cambodia, however just  a short distance away lies the temple of Bayon.

The north gate of Angkor Thom the last city of the Khmer Empire showcasing faces from Bayon Temple which lies inside

Bayon is a Khmer temple in the center of Angkor Thom built in the late 12th or early 13th century as the official temple of Buddhist King Jayavarman VII. Filled with smiling faces this temple is the most intriguing and captivates imagination and curiosity

Some of the many faces at Bayon temple

Bayon towers

Bayon currently has 37 stone towers in ruins, when built there were originally 54 towers which represents the 54 days of the lunar calender and the number of provinces under the Khmer empire rule. Each tower 13 meters tall adorn stone carved smiling faces with their eyes closed. 

Dancing asparas, some of the relief work found at Bayon temple

A buddha at the temple where you can say your blessings

Many monks come to offer prayer

Young Samanera

Boys as young as seven years of age may devote time to buddhism although thay can do it at any age. It is considered their right of passage in Thai culture.

Up close you have a greater respect for the time and skill to produce this amazing temple

Stacked sandstone blocks some weighing as much as 2,000 lbs were carved to form the faces

Within the temple there are 216 smiling serene faces carved on the towers. Since the construction of the temple several of the towers have fallen and around 200 faces still remain. 

Bayon face

There are several theories relating to the meaning of these faces, one belief is that these faces belong to the bodhisattva (Buddhist enlightened being) of compassion known as Avalokiteśvara. 

Bayon temple from afar

You cannot help but be enchanted with the many faces of Bayon and the complexity of this temple.. The enigmatic smiles of Bodhisattva (Universal Compassion) will stay with you for years.