We spent three days in Siem Reap in January 2017. My next few posts will be about the temples there. But I’ll start with my favorite temple in the Angkor area -The Bayon.
Like most tourists, I went to Siem Reap mainly for the Angkor Wat. I didn’t do a lot of research about the other temples in the area but I knew I would like the ‘temple with the faces’. However, I had not expected it to be so spectacular. We entered through the South gate and were immediately mesmerized by the smiling faces and the figures of devas (gods) and asuras (demons) depicting the churning of the ocean milk on the two sides of the gate.
I learnt that this temple was built under king Jayavarman VII and is considered to be the only temple in Angkor that was a Mahayana Buddhist shrine. The temple was built in the late twelfth or early thirteenth century. It was a hot and humid day but the beautiful galleries of this place make you forget about everything else!
I tried to take pictures of the smiling faces and different galleries, but I firmly believe that photos can’t do justice to this architectural wonder. I had assumed that the calm, serene faces are of Buddha but later found out that some scholars have concluded that the faces are those of the king himself! Khmer kings used to consider themselves ‘God-Kings’!
I was there a few years ago. I think I need to go back, looking at your pictures. Thank you. Did you go to Angkor Wat as well?
I bet she did. Who Would not?! Did you go and party hard ?
hahhah yes! Like everyone else, Angkor Wat was my first stop 🙂 Didn’t really get to party that much though !
Oh my god really? I was a wild boy there could not stop wiht bozig around but I am not like that anymore 😉
yes, I did! pictures from Angkor Wat coming soon 🙂
I loved this place of heaven so much. My favourite temples where from the tomb rider movie. Damn, that was amazballs!
yep that the tomb raider temple was fascinating! How long ago were you there?
ooooohhh quite a bit I do not remember but it was this decade 😉
I stayed 4 years ago, and it is amazing!
It sure is! totally spectacular! Thanks for visiting my post.
One of those statue’s faces reminds me of Chinese theatre masks. I love your pictures and reading your account. I haven’t visited yet but would like to.
That’s an interesting comparison! It’s a spectacular temple, you should definitely visit if you get a chance! Thanks for stopping by.