Cambodia: Siem Reap Part 14 - More from The Bayon Temple: Here are some more images from this magnificent ancient temple. A brief commentary on the smiling faces depicted in the last...

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Cambodia: Siem Reap Part 14 - More from The Bayon Temple

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Jan 20, 2023 14:58:59 #

srfmhg Loc: Marin County, CA

Here are some more images from this magnificent ancient temple. A brief commentary on the smiling faces depicted in the last image:

Several centuries before Leonardo DaVinci created the enigmatic smile of his Mona Lisa, hundreds of serene faces displaying equally enigmatic smiles were carved into the famous temple now known as Bayon. Bayon is in the heart of the ancient city of Angkor Thom, which was the symbolic center of the Khmer empire. Dedicated to Buddha by King Jayavarman VII, this state temple was originally called “Jayagiri” (which means “Victory Mountain”) but was renamed “Banyan Temple” sometime after the period of French occupancy. The Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment after a long period of meditation beneath a banyan tree. The religious significance of the banyan tree and the many banyan trees growing around the site made it an appropriate name. However, the local Khmer who worked on the restoration of the temple were responsible for its final name change. The workers mispronounced the name as “Bayon” instead of “Banyan” and the name stuck.

The tranquil stone faces of Bayon are some of the most recognizable images from the Angkor Archeological Park, and missing the opportunity to see them in person would be an absolute crime. In fact, Bayon is considered one of the “big three” sites that every visitor to Angkor should see – the other two being Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm. In addition to the multitude of giant stone faces smiling down at you from every direction, the site also includes an impressive array of well-preserved bas-relief carvings depicting an unusual combination of scenes from history, mythology, and everyday life.

There are unique photo opportunities everywhere you turn, and a guide can help point out where to get the best shots – including the popular composition of visitors facing “nose to nose” with one of the giant heads. The play of light changes dramatically throughout the day due to the complex structure of the temple and the shade from the surrounding trees. There is almost no direct sunlight in the hours just after sunrise and just before sunset.
https://www.siemreap.net/visit/angkor/temples/bayon/

For more images of Siem Reap and narratives, please see my previous posts:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-760858-1.html#13633063
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-761100-1.html#13638505
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-761169-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-761242-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-761379-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-761630-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-761797-1.html#13655239
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-761937-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-762169-1.html
Sets from Ta Prohm:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-762322-1.html#13669002
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-762482-1.html#13672574
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-762732-1.html#13678195 (Angkor Thom and Bayon)
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-762905-1.html#13681713 (Bayon)