Bayon Temple

Temple in Siem Reap

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marcin Konsek

Bayon Temple is an awe-inspiring Khmer temple located at the heart of Angkor Thom, in the Angkor Archaeological Park of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th or early 13th century, it remains one of the most iconic temples in the region. Famous for its intricate bas-reliefs and towering faces, Bayon is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. The temple is celebrated for its distinctive baroque style, unique in its use of multiple towers adorned with massive stone faces, which continue to mesmerize visitors. From a symbolic perspective, the temple embodies the unification of various religious traditions under the Buddhist king, Jayavarman VII, who sought to integrate Hinduism and Buddhism within the context of his empire.

A must-visit on the Small Circuit tour, Bayon stands as a central feature of Angkor Thom, the ancient walled city of Angkor. The temple is positioned at the center of Angkor Thom, a sprawling complex of temples, galleries, and other structures, all surrounded by a beautiful moat and the famous entrance gates. Though the temple’s official visiting hours are from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, one can still appreciate its grandeur from the outside at any time of day, especially during the soft golden light of early morning or late evening, when the faces of Bayon come alive in a warm, ethereal glow.

The Faces of Bayon: A Symbolic Enigma

One of the most striking features of Bayon Temple is its array of 173 massive faces that adorn the towers, each gazing serenely in all directions. These faces have long been the subject of debate and speculation, with many believing they represent Jayavarman VII himself, while others suggest they depict Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion. Local legend holds that the faces embody the Four Faces of Brahma, a Hindu god, while modern research points to a more complex interpretation, suggesting the faces represent various deities from both Buddhism and Hinduism. Researchers have classified these faces into three categories: Devata (goddesses), Deva (gods), and Asura (demons), further emphasizing the blending of religious traditions during Jayavarman VII’s reign.

The sheer number of faces—originally believed to have been more than 200—adds to the mystery of the temple. Today, only 37 towers remain standing with 173 faces, but historical records and studies indicate that there were once as many as 59 towers with over 200 faces. The faces’ precise purpose and meaning may never be fully understood, but their monumental presence serves as a reminder of the spiritual and political might of the Khmer Empire. Whether seen as divine protectors or symbolic representations of the king’s authority, the faces of Bayon Temple remain one of Cambodia’s most enigmatic and captivating features, offering a fascinating window into the complex religious landscape of the ancient Khmer world.

The Bayon Temple appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Siem Reap!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!