Gallery » ASIA/SOUTH PACIFIC » Round the World 2016 - Southeast Asia » Siem Reap » 11.13. Bayon and Terrace of Elephants

Both Bayon and the Terrace of Elephants are part of Angkor Thom.  Angkor Thom is a whole city - “Angkor” means “city” and “Thom” means big.  The beautiful stone faces of Bayon Temple are some of the most recognizable images from the Angkor Archeological Park.  In addition to the multitude of giant stone faces smiling down from every direction, the site also includes an impressive array of bas-relief carvings depicting various scenes.  Dedicated to Buddha by King Jayavarman VII, this temple was originally called “Jayagiri” (which means “Victory Mountain”) but was renamed “Banyan Temple” sometime after the period of French occupancy. The Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment after a long period of meditation beneath a banyan tree. The religious significance of the banyan tree and the many banyan trees growing around the site made it an appropriate name. However, the local Khmer who worked on the restoration of the temple were responsible for its final name change. The workers mispronounced the name as “Bayon” instead of “Banyan” and the name stuck.  The Terrace of Elephants is a 350m long terrace which was supposedly used as a platform from which King Jayavarman VII viewed his victorious returning army. The stairs are decorated with lions and garudas and life-sized images of elephants and their guardians are displayed on the terrace walls.  Both places were fascinating!  Click on the first image to begin.

Bayon
Bayon
Bayon
Bayon
Bayon