The Bayon Temple is a magnificent structure located in the heart of the Angkor Wat Archeological Park in Cambodia. Built under the direction of the Mahayana Buddhist ruler Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, the temple is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and art.
One of the most distinctive features of the Bayon Temple is the multitude of serene and smiling stone faces on the many towers which jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak. These faces are of mahayan bodhisatva avlokiteswara and often misunderstood as hindu creator god brahma. The faces are a symbol of the Mahayana Buddhist concept of compassion and are meant to inspire visitors to reflect on the nature of existence and the impermanence of life.
The temple complex is built on three levels and is surrounded by a moat. The upper terrace is the most impressive part of the temple and is where the majority of the towers and faces can be found. The lower levels of the temple are less complex and are home to many smaller structures and buildings.
The Bayon Temple was originally built as a center for Buddhist worship and served as a place of meditation and contemplation for the Khmer people. However, over time, the temple was renovated and used as a Hindu temple as well. 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.
Today, the Bayon Temple is one of the most famous and popular structures in the Angkor Wat Archeological Park. Visitors come from all over the world to marvel at the temple’s intricate carvings, towering spires, and serene faces.
The Bayon Temple is an architectural marvel and a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the Khmer people. Its serene faces, intricate carvings, and towering spires continue to inspire visitors today, just as they did centuries ago. A visit to the Bayon Temple is a must for anyone interested in history, art, or architecture, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who experience it.
The Unique Features of Bayon Temple
Bayon Temple is a unique and remarkable temple located in the Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia. Its most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and smiling stone faces on the many towers which jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak. These faces are of mahayan bodhisatva avlokiteswara, which is a significant figure in Buddhism, and often misunderstood as Hindu creator god Brahma.
Apart from the faces, the Bayon Temple also boasts intricate and detailed bas-reliefs depicting scenes from everyday life, mythological stories, and battles. These bas-reliefs cover the walls of the temple and offer a glimpse into the culture and society of the Khmer Empire, which ruled Cambodia during the 12th and 13th centuries.
The temple’s architecture is also noteworthy, with its innovative design featuring multiple levels and terraces that create a sense of grandeur and majesty. The temple’s central peak rises to 43 meters, making it one of the highest points in Angkor. The temple’s construction is also unique, using a combination of sandstone and laterite to create a durable and long-lasting structure.
The Bayon Temple stands out for its unique and intricate stone faces, detailed bas-reliefs, innovative architecture, and its significance in Cambodian history and culture.
Is the Bayon Temple a Hindu Temple?
The Bayon Temple complex was originally built as a Mahayana Buddhist temple under the direction of King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. However, after his reign, subsequent rulers of the Khmer kingdom converted the temple to a Hindu temple and made renovations to reflect that. So while it was originally a Buddhist temple, it later served as a Hindu temple as well.
The Significance of the Name ‘Bayon Temple’
The Bayon temple was initially named as the Banyan temple after the banyan trees that grow abundantly in the temple complex. However, during the restoration process, the local Khmer workers who were involved in the restoration mispronounced the name as “Bayon” instead of “Banyan”. The name Bayon stuck and the temple has been known as the Bayon temple ever since.
Is Bayon Part of Angkor Wat?
Bayon is not a part of Angkor Wat. However, Bayon is located in the same area as Angkor Wat, within the Angkor Wat Archeological Park. Bayon is actually situated just to the north of Angkor Wat and was once at the center of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. While Angkor Wat is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Bayon is a Buddhist temple dedicated to the Buddha. Both temples are remarkable examples of the Khmer architecture and are major tourist attractions in Cambodia.
Conclusion
The Bayon Temple is a remarkable and unique structure that stands out among the many impressive temples and ruins in the Angkor Wat Archeological Park. With its numerous stone faces, intricate carvings, and rich history, it is truly a marvel of ancient architecture and engineering. Its origins as a Mahayana Buddhist temple and later use as a Hindu temple demonstrate the cultural and religious diversity of the Khmer people who built it. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. Visiting the Bayon Temple is an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into a fascinating and complex ancient civilization.
