May 28, 2014

Postcards from Cambodia: Angkor Thom

Bayon Temple The Buddhist Bayon Temple was built in the late 12th or early 13th century and stands in the middle of Angkor Thom, the capital of the empire of King Jayavarman VII.
 Bayon Temple Its most distinctive feature is its multitude of towers, each bearing a serenely smiling face on each of its four sides.
 Bayon Temple The gigantic faces bear a striking resemblance to the statues of King Jayavarman VII, which have led some scholars to believe that they are images of the king himself. Others believe that they are representations of the bodhisattva of compassion.
 royal palace at Angkor Thom Older temples in Angkor Thom survive. The three-tiered Baphuon Temple, built in the mid-11th century, was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
 Celestial Temple at Angkor Thom The 10th century Phimeanakas Temple is located within the walls of the royal palace. It is associated with a very interesting legend which involves the king and a Naga, a mythological creature in the form of a snake which, in Cambodia, has seven heads.
 Terrace of the Elephants at Angkor Thom Angkor Thom's kings had a long stone terrace which they used for public ceremonies and audiences. It is now known as the Terrace of the Elephants because of the parade of elephants decorating the surviving portions.

7 comments:

William Kendall said...

Fascinating, and a beautiful set of shots. The elephant carvings in particular are pleasing to the eye.

Cloudia said...

Wonderful to see. Thank you, H




ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^=

Olivier said...

c'est juste magnifique, ca fait rever

Dina said...

Awesome!
I love those faces.

Bergson said...

thanks for this visit

Lois said...

The faces are so interesting. Wonderful shots Hilda!

Karl said...

Simply magnificent, Hilda!