It was last year when we visited the whole of Angkor Archeological Park in Siem Reap. One leaves there inspired, awed and humbled. At least in my case.
We visited several temples and one of my favorite is the Bayon Temple.
From afar, according to Angkor-scholar Maurice Glaize, the Bayon appears “as but a muddle of stones, a sort of moving chaos assaulting the sky.” It’s true! Look at the picture above.
When you move in closer, that’s the only time you realize how magnificent it is! There are about 37 standing towers with 200 or more carved smiling faces.
The Bayon Temple has been built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, around 12th or early 13th century.
“It was the centrepiece of Jayavarman VII’s massive program of monumental construction and public works.”
“The similarity of the 216 gigantic faces on the temple’s towers to other statues of the king has led many scholars to the conclusion that the faces are representations of Jayavarman VII himself’”
My son, EJ, in Bayon Temple. He still looks like a baby here.
Hubby at Bayon Temple.
And last but not least, yours truly at Bayon Temple.
We only had a short time here but it left a very lasting impression on me. When I have time again, I really wish to go back to the temples at Angkor Park. It’s definitely worth a visit again.
Source: Wikipedia
I love how my husband captured the different shades of light in the doors of this temple.
