Inner Space of Bayon: Revealing Secrets from Inside

#voyagevibes The Bayon Temple was built at the junction of the XII and XIII centuries. According to the idea, he was supposed to perpetuate the memory of King Jayavarman VII, who ruled at that time. Much to the disappointment of tourists, it has not been preserved in its original form to this day. Subsequent rulers repeatedly rebuilt and completed the temple. Despite the fact that Bayon was built in the spirit of Buddhism, there are obvious features of Hinduism in it. The main highlight of the temple is the towers, on which stone faces are carved. Four faces were carved on each tower. The architects arranged them so that they look in different directions of the world. The walls of the temple are decorated with bas-reliefs depicting various scenes from the life of medieval Cambodia. Most often, they depicted battles with the troops of the Plague and the fall of Angkor. You can also find scenes from the daily lives of people at that time, how the king and his family lived. Worship of the gods is also presented separately. Unfortunately, not all the bas-reliefs are in good condition. They are best preserved on the first tier of the temple. Experienced guides recommend starting to inspect them from the eastern entrance, moving clockwise. Ten bas-reliefs of the first tier are now in good condition: -The Chams are on the march. The bas-relief consists of three rows. In the first, the warriors return from battle, in the second, coffins are depicted, and in the third, the main figure is King Jayavarma VII, who is covered by umbrellas from the scorching sun. -A naval battle. It depicts the naval battles of the Khmer and Cham. -The Chams are defeated. This bas-relief is a kind of continuation of the previous one. The scene unfolds already on the seashore, where the defeated Chams are located. Immediately, the Khmers arrange a holiday. -A military procession. The last bas-relief of the southern gallery, which depicts a military procession. -Civil war. People are fighting with each other, war elephants and warriors are gradually getting into the battle. -The all-seeing king. The continuation of the Civil War. An antelope is depicted in the lower part of the bas-relief, it is swallowed by a giant fish. There are a lot of small fish nearby, including shrimp. There is a strange inscription above the latter. Its literal translation is as follows — the king will find them, even if they hide. -Victory Day parade. The king and his warriors are depicted here. They are celebrating another victory over the enemy. -The circus has arrived in the city. On this panel, you can see a strong man holding three dwarfs. There is a separate person spinning a wheel. A group of tightrope walkers is depicted above. -A land of plenty. Perhaps the most intense bas-relief. It depicts the retreating and defeated Chams, the Khmer pursuing them. The panel details the war between the Chams and the Khmer. -The Chams enter Angkor. Another battle between two ancient peoples. The painting tells about the defeat of the Chams in 1181. Bayon Temple is located just a few kilometers from one of the largest and most famous cities in Cambodia Siem Reap. The city has an international airport and is often visited by tourists due to the many attractions in the surrounding area.