Bayon (heritage site)
| Bayon | |
|---|---|
| Khmer name | ប្រាសាទបាយ័ន |
| Also known as | Jayagiri (Chey Kiri) |
| Site type | Temple |
| Location | Angkor Thom, Angkor |
| Country | Cambodia |
| Period | Late 12th or early 13th century |
| Subjects | Religion & Spiritual Life; History & Remembrance |
Bayon is a temple in Angkor Thom, Angkor, Cambodia. (Wikipedia)
History
The Bayon was built as the state temple of King Jayavarman VII and stands at the centre of his capital city, Angkor Thom. It was the last state temple built at Angkor and was originally conceived as a Mahayana Buddhist monument centered on the cult of the Bodhisattva of compassion. During the reign of Jayavarman VIII in the mid-13th century, the Khmer Empire reverted to Hinduism and the temple was altered; later, Theravada Buddhist changes were made before the temple was eventually abandoned to the jungle. (Wikipedia)
Significance
The Bayon is a richly decorated Buddhist temple whose many towers bear serene, smiling stone faces commonly interpreted as representations of Jayavarman VII and symbols of compassion and royal authority. Its bas-reliefs depict historical events, religious themes, and everyday life in the Khmer Empire, making it an important visual source for the study of Angkorian society. The Japanese Government Team for the Safeguarding of Angkor described it as “the most striking expression of the baroque style” of Khmer architecture. (Wikipedia)
Stewardship
The École Française d'Extrême Orient led conservation during the first part of the 20th century, restoring the temple using anastylosis. Since 1995, the Japanese Government Team for the Safeguarding of Angkor (JSA) has been the main conservation body and has held annual symposia. (Wikipedia)