Bayon

Bayon is a richly decorated Buddhist temple at the center of Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer Empire in present-day Cambodia. Built in the late 12th or early 13th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, Bayon forms the symbolic heart of Angkor and is famed for its multitude of serene stone faces set atop numerous towers.

The temple is noted for its temple-mountain design, blending Mahayana Buddhist symbolism with Khmer architecture. The most distinctive feature is its 54 towers, though some sources cite 49 to 54, each bearing a large face with a calm, smiling expression. The faces are oriented toward the cardinal directions and are often thought to represent bodhisattva Avalokitesvara or the king. Surrounded by extensive galleries, Bayon also features more than 1,000 carved bas-reliefs that depict historical events, daily life, markets, military processions, as well as mythological scenes and celestial beings.

Bayon’s construction reflects a period when Jayavarman VII promoted Mahayana Buddhism as a state-supported religion, integrating religious and political symbolism into the capital’s layout. In the centuries that followed, the Khmer Empire declined and attitudes shifted toward Theravada Buddhism, with Bayon undergoing various restorations and modifications. The temple’s imagery and architectural style have made it one of Angkor’s most enduring symbols.

As part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, Bayon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major focus of scholarly study and tourism. Preservation efforts by the local authorities address weathering, vegetation encroachment, and structural stability to protect the site for future generations.