Kh 12 - Prasat Bayon; the Highest Achievement of Khmer Architecture

"It is the most striking expression of baroque style of Khmer architecture as contrasted with the classical style of Angkor Wat"
- Japanese Government Team for Safeguarding Angkor (JSA)

Lokesvara face of Bayon

• Yeah, I kinda agree the statement from JSA - a helping hand agency from Japan that helped in the restoration process of Bayon. Guess - after enjoying Angkor Wat, it a different feeling when you stumbled in front the magnificent architecture of Bayon.
• Bayon is the first temple you will cross into from the South-Gate of Angkor Thom.
• It was built by King Jayavarman VII at the end of 12th century dedicated for Buddha.
• Some scholars believed that this temple intended to embrace all religion during that time - Buddha, Hindu, animist and even Islamic beliefs of the newly conquered Champs.
• It's been famous for its HUGE smiley faces on the tower. The faces - most of it four on each towers, represent Lokesvara as this temple dedicated to Buddha. However, some of these image have been alter to Shiva by adding the Third-Eye by the subsequent monarch when Hindu become the religion of the ruler - King Jayavarman VIII.
• Another striking things about Bayon is its bas-relief - a nice carving on their both inner and outer gallery. Its told about the furious naval battle of Tonle Sap between the Khmer army and Champs. This battle has been won by Khmer.
• We can learn a lot on how the Khmer lived during that time. There's drawing on their daily works, boat, fisherman, food preparation, and how they engaged during conversation and in games such as cockfights and wrestling.
  

From left : their daily activities; the Battle of Tonle Sap - "We can see the difference of Khmer army and Champs as the later wears wig over their head - or is it their hair style, hmm".

From left - one of the four-faces tower of Lokesvara, "Cautions - mind your steps!".

From left : "You can enjoy the forest of tower that each carved with enormous expression and gigantic smiles of Lokesvara"; Apsara dancers on its wall.

From left : small space between the inner gallery and the upper terrace; views of Bayon from the west exit.

From left : just wanna take five; Dara seems enjoying view of 'Minah Salleh' - "and here I thought you're honest husband with one child!".

From left : Guess we looks alike - well, even the Cambodian thought I'm local!; Apsara anyone? - from the amateur.

"Is it a direct translation - Huh?"