Tuesday, March 27, 2012

White-chan in Siem Reap - All the faces in Bayon

Day 1: Bayon - Baphuon - Leper King Terrace - Elephant Terrace - Ang Kor Wat



Bayon is the most famous temple in Angkor Thom, that huge temple complex with 37 towers (used to be 54 lor!), each with 4 stone faces facing the 4 directions. This Buddhist temple was built by King Jayavarman VII between the 12-13th century, so yes, it is very very old! Some experts said those 216 big faces are supposed to be Buddha's face, and some said they are the King's face since he thought he was a god-king, but it's their words vs. their words, so you decide yourself.

Angkor Thom Bayon temple

Angkor Thom Bayon temple

Angkor Thom Bayon temple

Angkor Thom Bayon temple

Angkor Thom Bayon temple

Angkor Thom Bayon temple

But actually I find the outer gallery of the temple more interesting, with bas-reliefs showing history (of course of the King winning his number X battle) and daily life of the Angkorian Khmer, like merchants selling stuff in the market. After all these years, the cravings are still clear and detailed, power sia!

Angkor Thom Bayon temple

Angkor Thom Bayon temple

Angkor Thom Bayon temple

In all Angkor temples, you can find lots of Apsaras on the bas-reliefs. According to some Hindu and Buddhist mythology, they are actually spirits of clouds and waters, created during the churning of the sea by the gods and demons.

You can find Apsara dances all over Siem Reap, and of course I'm referring to human female dancers lah! But what is also interesting is the different styles of craving of Apsaras in the different temples in Angkor.

Angkor Thom Bayon temple

Angkor Thom Bayon temple

No comments:

Post a Comment