The Bayon is a richly decorated Buddhist temple of the Khmer Empire at Angkor in Cambodia, built in the late twelfth or early thirteenth century as the state temple of King Jayavarman VII, standing at the center of his capital city, Angkor Thom. Originally conceived as a Mahayana Buddhist monument centered on the cult of the bodhisattva of compassion, it later adapted to the spread of Theravada Buddhism in Cambodia, its iconography and spatial organization illustrating the close relationship between Buddhism and royal authority at Angkor.
Facts
Building TypeSourced to the subject's own accountBuddhist Temple Complex 1 LocationSourced to the subject's own accountAngkor Thom, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia 1 Height (m)Sourced to the subject's own accountHeight of the central tower above the ground; the temple complex as a whole has no single defining height. Classification
Standing StatusSourced to the subject's own account Building Type
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In Style
Source Bayon (Wikipedia)
Uses Element
Source Bayon (Wikipedia)
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Sources
1. Bayon (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationIntroduction, temple description
is a richly decorated Theravada Buddhist temple of the Khmer Empire located at Angkor in Cambodia.
Introduction, capital city reference
it stands at the centre of Jayavarman's capital city, Angkor Thom
The central tower and sanctuary
It rises 43 metres above the ground.
Lead section
Originally conceived as a Mahayana Buddhist monument centered on the cult of the Bodhisattva of compassion, the temple later adapted to the spread of Theravada Buddhism in Cambodia. Its iconography, spatial organization, and emphasis on compassion and kingship illustrate the close relationship between Buddhism and royal authority at Angkor, while its continued use as a Buddhist sanctuary demonstrates the enduring influence of Buddhism in the region.
In Style: Khmer Architecture, Introduction, JSA style assessment
described the Bayon as "the most striking expression of the baroque style" of Khmer architecture
Uses Element: Stone, Lead
The temple is best known for its many towers adorned with serene, smiling stone faces carved on all sides, which are commonly interpreted as representations of King Jayavarman VII and symbolize compassion and royal authority.
View the Source 2. Wikidata: Bayon
- Wikidata Q654024, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)
- Wikidata Q654024, class allow-list match (w-bbfill-artsarchag-0926 resolve_missing)
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