Bayon Temple

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 masterpiece!