Bayon

The Bayon (Khmer: ប្រាសាទបាយ័ន, Prasat Bayoăn [praːsaːt baːjŏən]; /ˈbaɪɔːn/ BAI-on) is a richly decorated Theravada Buddhist temple of the Khmer Empire located at Angkor in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th or early 13th century as the state temple of King Jayavarman VII (Khmer: ព្រះបាទជ័យវរ្ម័នទី ៧), it stands at the centre of Jayavarman’s capital city, Angkor Thom (Khmer: អង្គរធំ). The Bayon reflects the strong Buddhist orientation of Jayavarman VII’s reign. 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.

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. The Bayon also features extensive bas-reliefs depicting historical events, religious themes, and scenes of everyday life in the Khmer Empire, making it one of the most important visual sources for the study of Angkorian society. The Japanese Government Team for the Safeguarding of Angkor (JSA) has described the Bayon as “the most striking expression of the baroque style” of Khmer architecture, in contrast to the classical style of Angkor Wat (Khmer: ប្រាសាទអង្គរវត្ត).