Bayon
The Bayon, in the centre of Angkor Thom, is Jayavarman VII's
state temple (see picture 1, below). It is characterized by its many
towers with four faces in the four cardinal points (see picture 2 and 3, below).
Narrative reliefs are found on the inner walls of
the first (see picture 4, below) and second galleries. Those on the walls
of the first gallery are arranged in three levels (see picture 5, below).
Many depict scenes from daily life (see picture 6 and 7, below). Kings
are often represented with banners and a staff with the figure
of the monkey Hanuman (see picture 8, below). Two door guardians are
sculptured on the posts on either side of the entrances (see picture 9, below).
One has a peaceful expression and carries a trident
(see picture 10, below). The other has a more aggressive appearance and
carries a club (see picture 11, below). The square pillars of the galleries
are decorated with dancing figures (see picture 12 and 13, below).
Apsaras (heavenly nymphs) decorate the walls of the shrines
(see picture 14, below).
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Picture 1
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Picture 11
Picture 12
Picture 13
Picture 14
Picture 1
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Picture 4
Picture 5
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Picture 8
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Picture 10
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Picture 12
Picture 13
Picture 14