Bayon Wonderland

Bayon - Late 12th Century Originally the temple was adorned with some 200 giant smiling faces but no one knows whose face they represent. There are a number of theories. The most common I hear is that it is a composite of Buddha and Jayavarman VII, Angkor's most prolific builder and king. Yet others believe that it's Lokesvara the Buddhist embodiment of compassion. To the locals it is known as Prohm the Khmer pronunciation of Brahma who represents the the Hindu God of Creation. If you stare at the face long enough it goes from gentle to just a little bit sinister.