Bayon Temple — Attraction in Siem Reap

The Bayon Temple and the Spirit of Compassion At the sacred heart of Angkor Thom rises the magnificent Bayon Temple, its towers crowned 54 Towers by 4 faces total by 216 faces so make it became number 9 , and 54 become a number of states.with the timeless smiles of stone. Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, the Bayon stands as a symbol of both spiritual and earthly power — where heaven and earth meet in perfect harmony. Some people mention the name “Jayakiri,” which seems to echo from Sanskrit or Old Khmer, meaning “Victorious Glory.” Yet, the true creator was King Jayavarman VII, whose vision of compassion shaped the very soul of Angkor. Fifty-four towers, each adorned with four serene faces, gaze out toward the four directions — gentle yet powerful — representing Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, or perhaps the King himself, embodying divine wisdom and mercy. The Four Virtues of Peace and Humanity Just as the smiling faces of Bayon radiate serenity, the Buddha’s teachings remind us of four eternal virtues — a path to inner peace and harmony among all beings: 🌸 Compasión (Karuna / ការุณា) The heart’s deep wish to relieve the suffering of others — the pure light of compassion that guides us beyond ourselves. 💝 Charity (Dana / ទាន) The joy of giving — not only material gifts, but love, time, and understanding. True generosity expects nothing in return. 😊 Simpáticos A word from Spanish that captures the warmth of kindness and friendship. Los camboyanos son muy simpáticos — Cambodian people are truly kind and welcoming. ⚖️ Equanimity (Upekkha / ឧបេក្ខា) The peaceful balance of the mind — remaining calm and steady in both joy and sorrow, success and loss. Together, these four — Compassion, Charity, Kindness, and Equanimity — form the Four Divine States (Brahma Viharas), the living essence of Buddhist philosophy. In every smile of the Bayon, in every whisper of the jungle wind, we are reminded to live with an open heart — to walk gently, to love freely, and to see all beings with equal peace. 🌺 So all the faces we just said the Budha Gods . Budha king 👑 because he represent to both Budha and gods to look after of his...

The Bayon Temple is one of the more famous, popular and beautiful of the structures in the Angkor Wat Archaeological Park. Situated just to the north of Angkor Wat itself, the temple was once at the centre of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. It's sometimes called Jayavarman's Temple, in honour of the Khmer king who ordered its construction. It's best known for its many towers with gently smiling faces on each side.There are some 50 towers around the ruined temple, with over 200 faces showing varying degrees of erosion and wear. Each face is 4 metres high and is facing one of the cardinal directions of the compass. They all have the same serene smile, with eyes closed, representing the all-knowing state of inner peace, and perhaps even a state of Nirvana. There are also many complicated and exquisite bas-reliefs around the temple, with scenes depicting land and naval warfare, market scenes and even the construction of the temple itself. Smile along with the smiling faces – built during early 13th century, Bayon Temple is a centrepiece of Angkor Thom. This Buddhist temple was a state temple during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, whose delusional grandeur is evident in 216 giant smiling faces which adorn the towers of the Bayon. The temple’s architecture signalled a definite shift from Hinduism to Buddhism. As you enter the giant complex, you cannot miss the smiling faces greeting you from the top of the entrance. The entry bridge, flanked with 54 stone warriors tugging at a snake is quite a sight. Once you are inside the temple complex, you will find smiling faces towering over everywhere. The faces are believed to resemble the king himself. Another theory emphasises that these composed humanly faces are of Lokesvara, a compassionate Bodhisattva. The walls of Bayon temple are richly decorated with more than 10,000 bas reliefs, including apsaras. Walk around the Bayon Temple and get lost in its exotic interiors. The smiling faces will leave you wondering the purpose behind creating such a unique...

Bayon Temple: A Must-Visit Marvel in Siem Reap A Review for Google Maps Visitors

Bayon Temple, a magnificent Khmer temple complex located in the heart of Angkor Thom, Siem Reap, Cambodia, is a truly awe-inspiring sight. This iconic structure, renowned for its intricate bas-reliefs and towering stone faces, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for any traveller exploring the region.

Key Highlights:

Intricate Bas-Reliefs: The temple's walls are adorned with countless bas-reliefs depicting Hindu and Buddhist mythology scenes, offering a fascinating glimpse into Khmer culture and history.

Towering Stone Faces: One of the most striking features of Bayon is its central tower, which is adorned with 54 towering stone faces, each gazing out in different directions. Central Courtyard: The temple's central courtyard is a peaceful and serene space, perfect for contemplation and reflection. Surrounding Attractions: Bayon Temple is surrounded by other impressive Angkorian temples, such as Baphuon, Phimeanakas, and Terrace of the Elephants, making it a convenient base for exploring the Angkor complex. Tips for Visitors:

Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Angkor complex can be quite large, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes. Bring Sunscreen and a Hat: The Cambodian sun can be intense, so protect yourself from the elements. Hire a Guide: A knowledgeable guide can help you understand the history and significance of the temple complex. Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and avoid touching statues or other sacred objects. Overall, Bayon Temple is a truly unforgettable experience that should not be missed. Its intricate architecture, stunning beauty, and rich history make it one of the most iconic landmarks in Southeast Asia.

Nearby Attractions: Baphuon, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Elephants, Angkor...